*Summary at the bottom.

The issue: only a third of schools let students in middle schools across the US use their phone during breaks like recess and lunch. The remaining two thirds of schools have strict cell phone policies, which usually aren't enforced properly. This petition is focusing on Rocky Run Middle School

Many students consider their phone their lifeline, and not having access to it for hours at a time can be scary. Many students aren't even allowed to call or message their parents during school. What if you needed to confirm something? Or if you forgot something and didn't want to make a big deal?

What if I had practice after school? On rainy days or holidays where I am in school, I am not allowed to text my parents to confirm anything. Additionally, if someone texts or calls you, it is your fault and considered a cell phone violation(at least at Rocky.) 

Many students already use their phones regardless of policies, and many never get caught. The cell phone policy causes more problems than it solves, as it makes students feel rebellious and practically encourages them to break the rules.

Amending the cell phone policy so that students can use their phones during breaks and in the hallways would:

• Discourage rule-breaking
• Make students feel safer in school
• Encourage student independence and responsibility
• Wouldn't impact academic performance
• Help students de-stress and fell calm
• Allows contact to friends and family when needed
• Make school enjoyable to attend

The reasons above prove that using cell phones during break time would have a positive effect on students without negatively impacting academic performance.

*In conclusion allowing students to use their cell phones during break time would have a positive impact on students interactions and feelings about school. Using phones during break times would help students de-stress and feel calm, and would discourage rule breaking. Students will also feel less stressed about contacting family, and will be promoted to feel safer at school.

If you would like to help us, sign this petition, we contact decision makers at Rocky Run Middle at 1,000 signs.