Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey announced her support on Tuesday during her State of the State address for new legislation aimed at prohibiting the use of smartphones and other wireless communication devices in Alabama public schools. The proposal, introduced on the first day of the 2025 legislative session, seeks to ban the use of such devices on public school campuses during instructional time, with exceptions determined by local school boards.
“As a former teacher, I know that students cannot do their best when their learning environment is cluttered with distractions,” Governor Ivey said. She emphasized that cell phones and smart devices often dominate children’s free time and frequently follow them into the classroom, which can negatively impact academic performance and contribute to discipline issues. Ivey expressed alignment with many teachers and parents in the belief that cell phones should be banned in classrooms.
The legislation, introduced on February 4, 2025, by Senator Donnie Chesteen (R-SD-29) and Representative Leigh Hulsey (R-HD-15), also includes provisions to protect students from the potential harms of social media. It mandates that all local boards of education adopt an internet safety policy to regulate student access to the internet on school-owned devices.
Senator Chesteen, who has worked alongside Governor Ivey on education-related initiatives, voiced support for the bill, saying, “By restricting the use of cell phones during the instructional day, we aim to enhance academic performance and protect students from the negative effects of excessive screen time.”
Representative Hulsey also praised the bill, calling it a step toward improving student engagement and safeguarding young people in the digital age. “I believe this measure will not only foster greater student engagement but also help protect a generation that is navigating the challenges of the digital age,” Hulsey said.
In addition to the cell phone ban, the Alabama State Department of Education will implement safe-use social media training for all students prior to entering the eighth grade. This course will focus on addressing the mental health challenges posed by cyberbullying, a growing concern among children and teens.
The proposed legislation reflects ongoing efforts by state leaders to adapt educational policies to the challenges posed by technology and promote a focused and safe learning environment for Alabama students.
