Alabama lawmakers advance proposed ban on cellphones in school

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday advanced legislation that would ban students from using cellphones in public schools.

A growing number of states are moving to ban or restrict cellphones in schools. The push has been fueled by concerns that phones are a distraction in the classroom and that screen time and social media have a negative impact on mental health.

The Alabama proposal says students could not have a wireless communication device in any K-12 public school building during the instructional day “unless the wireless communication device is turned off and stored off their person in a locker, car, or similar storage location."

Representatives voted 79-15 for the bill. It now moves to the Alabama Senate.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey had used a portion of her State of the State address to urge lawmakers to pass the cellphone ban.

“Let's get final passage and create the best learning environment for our students,” Ivey said in a statement posted on social media on Thursday.

Republican Rep. Leigh Hulsey, the sponsor of the bill, said local school boards will decide how cellphones will be stored.

Some school systems have purchased Yondr pouches that are locked during the school day. Hulsey said schools could require phones be kept in cars, lockers or simply in a designated storage rack.

Democratic Rep. Napoleon Bracy said during the debate that he is concerned the bill is “overreaching.” He said schools and teachers can already forbid students from using cellphones in a classroom.