AL SB92

Establishes the Freeing our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety (FOCUS) Act, prohibiting students from using, operating, or possessing wireless communication devices during the instructional day beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, with exceptions for IEPs, educational purposes, and emergencies.

Requires students to store wireless devices turned off in lockers, cars, or similar locations during instructional time, with specific exemptions for students with documented accommodation plans and teacher-supervised educational use.

Mandates each local board of education adopt a wireless communication device policy by July 1, 2025, and an Internet safety policy addressing age-appropriate content, email/chat protections, and prohibition of social media access except for educational purposes.

Requires the State Department of Education to develop an asynchronous online social media safety course addressing risks including mental health effects, misinformation, cyberbullying, and safe practices; all students must complete the course before entering eighth grade.

Requires annual anonymous surveys of certificated staff to assess policy compliance, with results submitted to superintendents and the State Board of Education by June 1 each year; repeals prior electronic communication device policy Section 16-1-27.