Phone-Free Schools: Alabama's New Policy, Explained
The Alabama state flag flies as new legislation aims to bring focus back to classrooms statewide.
Starting this fall, public schools across Alabama will take a major step toward creating more focused, connected classrooms.
In May 2025, Governor Kay Ivey signed the FOCUS Act (Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety) into law—requiring all public K–12 schools to implement bell-to-bell cellphone policies that keep devices off and out of sight throughout the school day.
Bell Momentum: A Quick Look
Need a quick reference? Download the Alabama Phone-Free Program Overview (PDF) for a one-page summary of legislation requirements, early results, and how Yondr can help your school stay compliant.
By the start of the 2025–2026 school year, every public district in Alabama must:
Create a bell-to-bell phone policy
Select a secure storage solution (e.g., pouches, lockers)
Develop a clear enforcement plan
Communicate the policy to students, families, and staff
Assign the principal to oversee compliance
The law also:
Allows exceptions for students with IEPs, medical conditions (e.g., diabetes trackers), or emergencies
Requires the State Department of Education to deliver social media safety training before 8th grade
What Alabama State Leaders Are Saying
With overwhelming support from state leadership, the FOCUS Act is more than policy—it’s a statement of purpose. From the bill’s sponsor to the Governor herself, leaders are calling for a return to learning environments free from digital distractions. Here’s what they’ve said about putting students’ focus back where it belongs:
Early Results from Alabama Schools
Alabama schools that have partnered with Yondr to go phone-free are seeing measurable change—fewer disruptions, stronger peer connections, and more time spent teaching instead of managing devices.
Stanhope Elmore High School (Millbrook, AL – Elmore County)
Serving approximately 1,088 students in grades 9–12, Stanhope Elmore High School was one of the first schools in the Southeast to adopt a full-day, bell-to-bell phone-free policy. Part of the Elmore County Public School System, the school has seen a sharp decline in disciplinary incidents, fights, and classroom disruptions. It was named a CLAS School of Distinction—one of just 32 in Alabama—for its innovative approach to improving school culture and student outcomes.
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On the culture shift and student engagement after going phone-free
“The noise level goes way up—but it’s a good noise. The students are actually talking to each other, they play Uno during lunch. It’s the laughing and interaction that’s the good noise.”
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On the major drop in behavioral issues
“There is no fighting. There is no online drama unless it happened over the weekend. It’s not happening during the day.”
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On how visiting educators respond to Yondr
“I’ve had teachers from other states come in and say they won’t work at a school that doesn’t use Yondr.”
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On academic engagement and classroom focus
“The students are more focused, asking more questions in class because they’re paying attention.”
Montgomery County Schools
Serving over 28,000 students across 30+ schools, Montgomery County is Alabama’s third-largest school district and currently the only one with a districtwide phone-free policy in place. Since requiring all students to secure their devices in Yondr pouches during the school day, the district has seen a measurable cultural shift. A staff survey, reported by AL.com, showed that their Yondr-supported phone-free policy led to:
68% of staff seeing increased student productivity
63% reporting fewer classroom distractions
61% observing higher student engagement
“I just see engagement, honestly. I see talking. They’re using their words.”
— Gary Hall, Carver High School Principal, NBC News
Supporting Teachers Starts with Supporting the Classroom
Better classroom management doesn’t just help students—it helps teachers stay.
When phones are limited during the school day, teachers gain valuable instructional time—and relief from device-related disruptions. Across Alabama and beyond, phone-free policies are reducing stress, improving student behavior, and helping teachers reconnect with why they teach.
Recent findings show:
A pilot study from Auburn University found that teachers in a phone-free middle school reported increased social interaction among students and said the new environment made their work more meaningful and sustainable (Auburn University).
Research from Western Kentucky University found that the majority of teachers reported being distracted by students using their phones during class, impacting their ability to teach effectively (Western Kentucky University).
A 2024 Pew Research Center report cited by the NEA showed that 90% of teachers support banning phones during instructional time, with many linking phone use to increased teacher frustration and burnout (NEA.org).
As Alabama districts prepare to implement the FOCUS Act, this moment presents a powerful opportunity to not only refocus students—but to retain and re-energize the teachers who support them every day.
Yondr’s Alabama Team Is Here to Help
Alabama’s phone-free mandate is fast approaching—and Yondr’s Phone-Free Schools Program is here to help schools meet the moment. Our program is a simple, proven solution that aligns with the FOCUS Act and supports students, staff, and families in creating more focused, connected learning environments. We provide:
Customized policy development tailored to your district’s needs
Comprehensive training and onboarding for staff, students, and parents
Secure, durable pouches that let students keep phones—without the distractions
Reliable unlocking infrastructure to ensure smooth daily operations
Ongoing support to guarantee long-term success
Join the growing number of Alabama schools partnering with Yondr to build phone-free classrooms that work—for students, teachers, and families.
WANT TO JOIN OUR GLOBAL
COMMUNITY OF PHONE-FREE SCHOOLS?
To learn more about the Yondr Program, click below to request a free demo or consultation.
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