Parent Reaction to Alabama’s Focus Act
This week, many public school parents expressed intense anger over recent changes that signal deeper issues in our political landscape.
Parents were taken aback as schools reopened, learning about the Focus Act that was enacted earlier this year. This law, passed by Congress and signed by the governor, prohibits smartphones and smart devices in Alabama public school classrooms starting from the 2025-26 school year.
According to the new rules, students caught using their phones face serious consequences: a five-day suspension after a second offense and a transfer to an alternative school for the third offense.
Notices sent to parents from various school districts generated a mix of shock and anger. Many parents took to social media to voice their frustrations, while the central office’s phone lines buzzed with complaints.
Their concerns are valid. Before anyone rushes to say, “Back in my day,” it’s important to consider the current reality.
This isn’t like the past. Our children have to deal with the threat of active shooter situations, complete with bulletproof backpacks and designated safe rooms available for purchase. Just imagine sending your kids off to school after a significant school shooting—it’s a chilling thought that can change everything.
Yet, we’re not taking concrete actions to address gun violence in schools. Instead, we often yield to pressure from the NRA and gun lobby, pretending that limiting the discussion around these events will somehow lead to changes. It’s no wonder parents feel powerless.
The smart device that parents are concerned about is, in many ways, a lifeline. While it might not solve all problems, having the ability to contact your child can provide a sense of reassurance. Yes, this might seem somewhat naive, but how often have parents been desperate to communicate in case of an emergency?
Moreover, these devices help parents in practical ways—reminding kids of doctor’s appointments or asking for lunch money when needed.
Is there misuse among students? Absolutely. It happens all the time.
Parents advocate for stricter usage policies, suggesting that kids should be able to manage their phones responsibly. However, such regulations should be tailored to fit the needs of individual schools, where the administration knows the students better.
Disconnecting us from these devices creates unnecessary obstacles.
The Focus Act has not been quietly slipped into existence. Discussions about it have circulated throughout the state, press releases were issued, and even the governor publicly celebrated its signing.
Yet, it appears that many parents missed the memo entirely. They weren’t aware of a regulation that has implications for their daily lives, something that understandably angered them.
This is a significant issue.
A deliberate divide seems to have formed between the public and the political system meant to serve them. The complexity of this process likely drives many away from engaging with it.
Voter turnout reflects this concern. In 2022, only about a third of eligible Alabamians participated in elections. Even less than 60% of registered voters showed up for the 2024 presidential election.
In our information age, where access to agendas and legislative details is just a few keyboard strokes away, it’s troubling how disengaged many people are. Still, it’s somewhat understandable when looking deeper.
Many people have allowed themselves to be excluded from a process that should impact all of us significantly. So, how many trans athletes do you really know about?
This overshadows important local matters—like school boards hiring friends for construction projects, county boards paving roads at lake houses, and city councils dealing with embarrassing incidents involving members. Meanwhile, state legislatures pass laws that people truly dislike.
Local governance isn’t glamorous or exciting. Typically, it won’t make headlines on major news outlets. Meetings can often be dull and uneventful. However, staying informed about these issues is crucial for your community’s health—and for you personally.
Remember, the government is meant to serve the people, and those people are you.
