news.cenet.topNo phones in class: Opelika High using lockable pouches for Alabama’s FOCUS law

Desmond Milligan · August 7

OPELIKA, Ala. – (WRBL) – With the start of the 2025–2026 school year, Alabama’s new FOCUS Act is officially in effect — banning student cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds during the school day at all public K–12 schools across the state.

At Opelika High School, students in grades 9 through 12 are using magnetic locking pouches to comply with the law. Each morning, students place their phones/smart devices in the pouch, seal it shut, and store it in their backpacks. The pouch remains locked all day until dismissal, when school staff use a special magnetic device to unlock each one.

“So this pouch has a magnet, unlocks this device. You slide your phone in, lock it back, and you cannot unlock it without using the magnet,” explained Opelika City Schools Superintendent Kevin Davis. “As they enter the building, they have administrator stations. Kids show their phone, lock it, and it’s away for the day. Same process at dismissal — takes about a second per student.”

The new policy is part of a statewide effort to reduce distractions in the classroom and improve student focus. Students in grades K–8 are not using pouches, but instead are required to keep phones turned off and stored in backpacks, lockers, or cubbies. No student is allowed to carry a phone on their person.

Davis says the goal is not only about discipline — it’s about creating a better learning environment.

“My biggest goal for kids here — just have fun, enjoy their self and learn as much as they can,” he said. “I want this to be a great learning environment, not just for our kids, but I want our parents to feel comfortable that we’re accessible and we’re going to take care of their children.”

In case of emergencies, students can still communicate with their parents through Chromebooks or by using phones in classroom or the school office. Davis emphasized safety procedures are in place and the district works closely with law enforcement, school resource officers, EMS, and fire departments.

He also believes the change will reduce one of the most persistent issues schools face.

“If you looked at discipline reports throughout the state of Alabama, cell phone use or violations — it’s going to be number one on the list,” Davis said. “There’s a lot of good that can come from social media and cell phones at certain times, but probably more bad in schools.”

The first day under the new policy went smoothly, Davis said, with no issues reported.

Auburn City Schools, meanwhile, is also complying with the FOCUS Act but has opted not to use pouches. Instead, students in grades K–12 must keep phones turned off and stored in a backpack, locker, or vehicle — with phones strictly prohibited from being on their person during the school day.