Prefiled bill would restrict phone usage in K-12 classrooms

On Monday, state Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Birmingham, pre-filed a bill requiring the State Board of Education to adopt a model policy restricting cell phones and other electronic communication devices in public schools for kindergarten through twelfth-grade students during the school day, with some exceptions.

Each local school board would be required to adopt a policy specific to their district that mandates no fewer restrictions than the statewide policy would provide. 

If passed, a statewide policy would be created no later than Jan. 1, 2026. Local school boards must create their specific policies by the 2026-2027 school year. 

“We got a lot of feedback from educators as well as administrators that have had a cell phone issue in the schools, and if that could be removed it would be a whole lot better environment. What ends up happening is just like you have distracted driving, you have distracted learning within the school systems,” said Sellers. 

While cell phones in the classroom cause distracted learning, they can also contribute to behavioral issues, as well.

“Whether it’s pornography or crazy text messages, it’s all the way down the line. If our focus is academics and academic success for our children, then let’s do the best that we can to make sure they have the best environment for learning and to succeed,” said Sellers.

The statewide policy will provide exceptions for students to use an electronic communication device in certain situations. These exceptions include when there is an emergency or when the device is needed to manage the student’s healthcare. 

The policy will also allow device use if it is specified in the student’s Individualized Education Program or a plan developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

“Give the administrators and the educators the tools they need to have a good safe space for learning,” said Sellers.

Some of the most staunch criticisms for this kind of cell phone ban come from parents who are concerned about being able to get in touch with their children.

“There are already emergency or safety plans in place when things happen within the schools. There’s a safety plan that deals with communication that’s within the school system. Saying that your child should or should not have a phone, that phone is not included in the safety plan,” said Sellers.

Sellers said that the bill has already received the support of teachers, administrators, some parents and the American Federation of Teachers.