New Alabama law on cell phones, smart watches in effect for 2025-2026 school year

Earlier this year, the Alabama Legislature passed a law that prohibits students from using wireless communication devices during the instructional day in Alabama public schools. Under the law, no student may have a wireless communication device in any public school building, unless the device is turned off and stored off their person. Also, the law requires local boards of education to adopt a policy that includes consequences for violations of this law. The Tuscaloosa County School System must comply with this state law, so we want our families to understand how this will work in our schools.

TCSS Wireless Communication Device Policy

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, students in all Tuscaloosa County School System schools must store their personal wireless communication devices (including smart watches) inside their backpack, locker, vehicle, or other location determined by their local school. Devices must be turned off and stored from the beginning to the end of the school day. Your individual school will communicate with students and families where the device should be stored. This requirement may be different for different schools. Please note that TCSS-provided iPads may still be used in schools, as these devices are for educational purposes and allowed under the law.

We want to make sure our students and families are aware of the consequences, if a student violates the TCSS Wireless Communication Device Policy. Please review the following information, as well as the TCSS 2025-2026 Student-Parent Information Guide, to learn more.

Grades K-5

Upon violation of the policy, there will be immediate in-school intervention and parent contact. Suspension of one day may be considered depending on the specific circumstances and student’s disciplinary history.

• First Offense: Verbal warning and reminder of the school’s policy. The device will be collected and returned to the parent at the end of the school day.
• Second Offense: Conference with the student and parent to discuss the policy and expectations. Device will be collected and returned to the parent/guardian.
• Third Offense: In-school intervention, such as loss of privileges. The device will be collected and returned to the parent/guardian.

Grades 6-12

• First Offense: Office Referral Student Conference (Warning); Loss of cell phone (Must be picked up from school by parent/guardian); Parent Acknowledgement Form printed from student information system.
• Second Offense: Office referral and referral for IMPACT; Student receives detention or in-school suspension (one day); Parent receives IMPACT letter; Failure to attend IMPACT will result in a suspension of one to three days
• Third Offense: Student receives suspension of three to five days
• Fourth Offense: TCSS Academy placement of 15 days; Possible placement at Legends Virtual Academy if TCSS Academy placement is not completed successfully.

Important Note

The law does provide for use of wireless devices pursuant to a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Individualized Accommodation Plan, Section 504 Plan, or Individualized Health Plan. This will be addressed with families of students who have these plans in place. The law also provides for a student’s use of a wireless communication device during an emergency that threatens the life or safety of the student or another person. However, in the great majority of situations, wireless communication devices will be turned off and stored away, and the consequences outlined above will be enforced. If a parent or guardian needs to reach their student during the school day, please contact the school office and/or contact your student’s teacher through SchoolStatus.

The purpose of this new state law is to help students stay focused, reduce distractions, and foster a better learning environment. We sincerely appreciate your support as we implement this new state law. Parents and guardians, please discuss this information with your student. Schools will also discuss the requirements with students once school begins.

Download the TCSS Wireless Communication Device Policy (PDF)