TCS Wireless Device Policy

The Tuscaloosa City Schools is preparing to ban student cell phone use during the school day beginning in the 2025–26 school year, in order to comply with pending state legislation.

The policy, which aligns with the Alabama FOCUS Act (SB92), requires all wireless communication devices to be turned off and stored in a district-approved manner—such as in a locked pouch or vehicle—upon arrival on campus.

“Cell phones are a distraction in our schools,” said Superintendent Mike Daria. “While we are adopting this policy to comply with state law, we believe it’s a move in the right direction to provide a better learning environment for our students.”

TCS middle and high school students will use designated pouches to lock away phones and smartwatches during the instructional day. Students will be able to unlock their pouches by swiping them against specialized unlocking magnets at designated parts of the building, including main exits. In elementary schools, phones and smartwatches will not be allowed and must be powered off and put in a backpack for the entire school day.

Limited exceptions will be made for documented medical needs, instructional use approved by staff, or emergencies.

Personal laptops and tablets such as iPads will not be allowed inside school buildings and should be left at home. Students will be expected to use their TCS assigned chromebooks.

Violations may result in confiscation, loss of privileges or other disciplinary action. Devices are also banned during all state-mandated testing. The district is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal devices.

Policy Q&A

Policy Q&A

TCS Cell Phone & Device Policy Q&A

Effective 2025–2026 School Year

When can students use cell phones or smartwatches?

Use is only allowed:

For medical/learning needs documented in an IEP, 504 Plan, or health plan
When a teacher gives permission for classwork
During emergencies threatening student safety

Otherwise, devices must be off and stored the entire school day—including lunch, recess, and class transitions.

Can students carry phones if locked in a pouch?

Yes. Students using Yondr pouches (or TCS-approved storage) may carry their locked devices. These pouches comply with the law because students can't access the phone.

What about post-secondary programs (like dual enrollment)?

Students follow the host program's device policy. Once back on a TCS campus, students must follow TCS rules for storing and using devices. If taking an online dual enrollment class inside a TCS building, an instructor will work to ensure students have access to their online coursework.

What about field trips?

Device use on field trips is decided by the teacher or school and based on the nature of the trip. Students will be told in advance if use is allowed.

What about students attending TCTA or traveling between campuses?

TCTA students must follow the same device policy as their home school.
Students driving between campuses may access devices only during travel and must store them upon arrival.

Expectations will be clearly communicated by both schools.

How do I contact my child during the school day?

Call your school’s main office. Staff will relay important messages to students.

What if my child is bullied and unable to record it?

All reports of bullying or harassment are taken seriously. Students should contact a trusted adult or administrator immediately for help.

How will I be notified during an emergency?

TCS will share updates using:

Automated phone calls and texts
Emails
TCS website and social media channels

What about elementary students?

Elementary students must also follow the policy. Devices must be stored away and may only be used under approved exceptions. Schools will provide age-appropriate guidance and reminders.

What counts as a “wireless communication device”?

Any device that can call, message, record, access the internet, or play audio/video. This includes:

Phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, headphones, Bluetooth accessories, etc.

What if my child has a medical condition monitored by phone?

Device use must be documented in an IEP, 504 Plan, or health plan. Use must be limited to the specific, approved need only.

What if a device is lost or damaged?

TCS is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices, even when stored in approved pouches or equipment.

What does “age appropriate” mean?

Expectations and consequences will be tailored to each student’s age, grade, and maturity level. The goal is to build healthy, responsible device habits.

More to Explore

Key Expectations

Students may not use wireless communication devices during instructional time unless specifically authorized by a staff member for instructional use.
Devices must be stored in a district-approved manner (locked pouch) if inside a school building during the instructional day.
Permitted exceptions include documented medical needs, IEP/504 accommodations, emergencies, or direct instructional use.
Emergency communications must go through the main office. Students needing to contact home should ask a staff member.
Students participating in off-campus programs (dual enrollment, career tech) must follow the expectations of that site and resume TCS storage requirements when back on campus.

Why the Change?

Student Communications

Yondr Pouches

To support the effective rollout of the Student Wireless Device Policy, Tuscaloosa City Schools will implement the Yondr pouch system in all secondary schools during the 2025–2026 school year. This solution ensures phones are secured while remaining in student possession, aligning with the FOCUS Act and districtwide equity goals.

Students will be required to place all their wireless devices, including cell phones and smart watches, in their Yondr pouches and lock them during the school day. When exiting the building, students will be able to swipe their pouch against a specialized device to unlock them and access their devices.

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