Baldwin County public schools are getting ready for a major change in the 2025-2026 school year. Starting in August, students will face new rules about cell phone use during the school day. The changes come after Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed the FOCUS Act into law earlier this year. This law bans students from using cell phones in public schools during instructional hours, although students can still bring their devices to school.

The Baldwin County Board of Education recently approved a policy to follow the new law. The policy will go into effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Details about the policy are available in the Board policy manual and the 2025-26 Parent and Student Handbook, which can be found online at the school system’s website. The new rules are designed to help students focus on learning and reduce distractions during the school day.

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For middle and high school students, the school district will issue Yondr pouches. When students arrive at school, they must put their phones on silent or turn them off and place them in the pouch. The pouch locks magnetically and stays in the student’s backpack until the end of the school day. Students keep the pouch with them but cannot unlock it until they leave campus. Principals will share more details about what to do in emergencies and explain exceptions allowed by the law and Board policy.

Elementary students who bring phones to school must keep them on silent or off and store them in a locked box or special area chosen by the principal. The new law allows very few exceptions for student cell phone use or storage. These exceptions are explained in the Board’s new policy.

Some parents and students may worry about the impact of the new rules. However, school officials say that pilot programs have already shown success. Last year, one middle school used the Yondr pouch system, and administrators were pleased with how students adapted after just a few weeks. Two high schools used a lock-box system and also saw good results. One principal was even invited to share his school’s experience with other educators across Alabama.

School leaders understand that this is a big change and may take time for everyone to adjust. They encourage families to speak with their children about the new rules and start preparing now. Some parents are already limiting device time over the summer to help students get ready for the new policy.

The district hopes the new policy will lead to better classroom engagement and improved social interaction among students. School principals will provide additional information about local procedures as the first day of school approaches. Meanwhile, families are encouraged to enjoy the rest of the summer and look forward to a successful start to the new school year.

We will provide updates on the new rules for Orange Beach City Schools and Gulf Shores City Schools as soon as more information becomes available. Both school systems are working on the details at this week’s school board meetings on Thursday evening.