BY SAM VISE | FOR THE OBSERVER

SMITHS STATION — For years, the cell phone has been an extension of the modern teenager, a constant connection to their social worlds, entertainment and the wider internet. However, a new state law is redefining the high school experience in Alabama. The FOCUS Act (Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety), signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey on May 14, prohibits students from using wireless communication devices during the school day, a policy shift aimed at reducing distractions and improving student engagement. While some parents have expressed concerns about safety and communication, school counselors and educators are observing a surprising and overwhelmingly positive transformation in students’ behavior and mental health. At Smiths Station

See Full Page