I, as a student of Academic Magnet High School, am deeply affected by the new rule that will ban personal computers on campus next year. This decision will hurt not only my education but also the learning and creativity of many students who depend on their own devices for schoolwork and personal projects.

Over the past summer, I worked hard to save money and buy my own computer. I made this investment because I knew it would help me with my music production and coding, especially as I prepare for AP Computer Science A. The school’s computers do not support my preferred coding language, meaning I won’t be able to practice or complete assignments properly without my own device. On top of that, school computers are slow and unreliable, which makes even simple tasks frustrating. Many students bring their own computers for the same reason—to avoid technical issues and to work more efficiently.

Academic Magnet has always encouraged creativity and independent learning, whether in music, programming, graphic design, or other fields. However, the school’s computers are outdated and struggle to run the software that students need for these activities. Without personal computers, students who want to go beyond the basic curriculum will find it much harder to succeed.

One of the biggest arguments for this rule is the concern that students might misuse their personal computers by getting distracted during class. While it is true that laptops can be used for non-educational purposes, banning them entirely is not the right solution. Distractions exist with or without computers—students can just as easily talk with friends, daydream, play cards, doodle, or do something else just as (or more) distracting. Instead of punishing responsible students by taking away a valuable tool, a better solution would be to have teachers set clear guidelines on when and how laptops can be used. Many high schools and colleges already do this successfully. If students are trusted to manage their own technology in higher education and the workplace, shouldn’t we be preparing for that now?

Research also shows that students benefit from having their own computers. A study by the Pew Research Center found that 59% of teenagers use personal computers to complete homework, proving that they are not just for entertainment but are important tools for learning. Another study from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that students with access to their own computers develop stronger problem-solving skills and digital literacy, which are essential for college and future jobs. If other schools and universities recognize how valuable personal computers are, why would our school take them away?

In today’s world, technology is everywhere. College students and professionals are expected to use their own computers to complete work, and removing that option in high school does not prepare us for the future. Instead of banning personal computers, the school should focus on teaching students how to use them responsibly. If the concern is that students might be distracted, there are better ways to handle it—such as allowing teachers to set rules for computer use in class or providing guidelines for appropriate usage. A full ban is not the solution.

We ask the school board to reconsider this decision. Allowing students to use their own computers helps us learn more effectively, be more creative, and prepare for the future. Taking them away only creates unnecessary challenges.

We urge fellow students, parents, and community members to support this cause. Sign this petition to show that we value personal computers as essential learning tools. Together, we can make sure that students have access to the technology we need to succeed.