Bill > HB166

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for cell phone use and internet safety in Alabama's public K-12 schools, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. The legislation aims to minimize classroom distractions and protect students from potential negative impacts of technology by prohibiting students from using or possessing wireless communication devices during the instructional day, with exceptions for educational purposes, emergency situations, and students with specific accommodation plans. Schools must develop and implement a wireless communication device policy with clear consequences for violations. Additionally, the bill requires local school boards to adopt an Internet safety policy that limits student access to age-appropriate content, protects personal information, and restricts social media use. The State Department of Education must develop an online course for students (to be taken before eighth grade) that educates them about social media risks and safe practices, covering topics such as mental health impacts, information sharing, cyberbullying, and personal security. To ensure policy effectiveness, the bill mandates annual anonymous staff surveys and requires schools to report compliance levels. The legislation reflects concerns about technology's impact on student learning and mental health, seeking to create a more focused and secure educational environment.