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‘Focus Act’ (HB166) advances on House floor; bill would restrict student smartphone use in schools with limited exemptions
Summary
Representative Halsey introduced HB166, the Focus Act, to require local boards to limit student smartphone use during instructional time and to require State education authorities to adopt related internet-safety policies and a pre-eighth-grade social-media safety course.
Representative Halsey introduced House Bill 166, the "Focus Act," which would require local boards of education to adopt rules regulating the use and possession of personal cell phones during instructional time and direct the Alabama State Department of Education to implement an Internet safety policy. The bill also would mandate a social-media safety course before eighth grade.
Sponsor’s case: Halsey told members the measure "takes a crucial step in protecting students by requiring local school boards to adopt a policy regulating the use and possession of cell phones during instructional time." She said research links smartphone use to lower…
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