Growing up in Bibb County, I always felt safe walking through the halls of my school. But everything changed after the tragic Warner Robins High School shooting. It's hard to put into words the intense fear and anxiety that have since filled not only me but many other students. Now, every time I walk into school, there's a cloud of worry over whether I'll be able to contact my family in the case of an emergency. The school shootings, like the one in Warner Robins, remind us of the vulnerable space schools can become without proper safety measures. In situations of imminent danger, communication is crucial. Allowing students to have access to their phones during school hours is not about being distracted, but about ensuring their safety and peace of mind. Statistics indicate that between 2009 and 2018, there were 180 school shootings in the U.S. With the ability to quickly contact authorities or family members, students would feel safer and more secure. Phones serve not only as a way to communicate but as critical lifelines should the unthinkable occur. Moreover, several districts across the nation have already recognized the importance of this measure and are allowing students to keep their phones on them during school hours, with strict guidelines to prevent misuse. Implementing this change doesn't mean students will be openly using their phones throughout the day. Schools can establish rules to ensure phones are silent and unseen during lessons and only accessed in predetermined circumstances or emergencies. Let's prioritize the safety of Bibb County's students by allowing them the security of having their phones. Join me in urging the Bibb County School District to permit students to carry their phones during school hours. Sign this petition to make our schools a safer place for everyone.