When I was in Year 7, something terrifying happened to me. I nearly got bashed while at school, and at that moment of fear and helplessness, I didn’t have the means to call for help or reach out to my parents. What if the situation had escalated? The 'no phone policy' in Australian schools could put students like me in harm's way without the means to get immediate assistance.

Australia's schools have enforced a rule banning the use of mobile phones during school hours. While the intention behind this policy may be to minimize distractions and increase student focus, it neglects the safety and well-being of students. Mobile phones are not just communication devices for leisure, they are critical safety tools that can help students like me contact emergency services or alert family members in times of urgent distress.

Consider that school grounds are not always the safe havens we want them to be. Bullying remains a pervasive issue in schools across Australia. According to Mission Australia's Youth Survey Report, nearly one in five young people report being bullied over the past year. In such situations, having immediate access to a phone could be pivotal for a student seeking help or guidance from parents and authorities.

Moreover, phones can be set to silent and restricted to emergency uses only during school hours. Implementing such a policy would ensure educational integrity while prioritizing student safety. Educators and parents can come together to establish practical guidelines, designating when and how students may responsibly use phones.

By allowing controlled mobile phone use, we can empower students to protect themselves, make rational decisions during emergencies, and connect with support when it's most needed.

Let’s work together to revise the current policy to one that understands our need to feel safe and connected. Please sign this petition to help prioritize student safety in Australian schools.