TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ( WIAT ) – Cellphones could become banned in public K-12 classrooms across Alabama if a bill makes it through the 2025 legislative session.
“We need to take cell phones out of schools,” State Superintendent of Education Dr.Eric Mackey said.
Alabama State House Representative of District 57, Patrick Seller, pre-filed the bill on Thursday.
“Currently, the legislative law in this state doesn’t allow the state board to make that rule,” State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey said.
If the bill passes, the Alabama State Department of Education will be able to create, enforce and amend school policies relating to cell phone usage.
“I certainly think the state board should have that authority, and I know that most of our board members feel that way too,” Mackey said.
Rep. Sellers proposed the bill after hearing from multiple educators and parents the issues and problems associated with students bringing their phones to school.
“It’s difficult for teachers to teach [and] maintain a classroom, especially when students have phones and are listening to music in their ear buds,” Sellers said.