The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) recently passed a law enforcing a completely phone-free campus for high school students. While acknowledging the positive intent behind this rule - to minimise distraction in class - we believe this policy overreaches and has unintended consequences for many pupils. Majority of high school students lead busy lives, balancing academic, work, and personal commitments. Especially considering students aged 18 or older, who might have critical responsibilities or appointments that necessitate timely communication.

Research from the Pew Research Center has found that 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and 45% say they are online 'almost constantly'. This level of connectivity is integral to their lives, and to completely cut it off for up to 8 hours can lead to significant disruptions, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress.

We suggest a revision of the law, which does not entirely ban phones but regulates their use. A model where phones are allowed during breaks and lunch hours would prevent classroom disturbances, but still allow students access to necessary tools for their outside responsibilities.

We ask you to consider the lives and needs of these students as complex. Therefore, we urge LAUSD to revise the absolute phone ban into a more flexible and functional policy that serves everyone's interest. Please sign this petition to support. If the needs are not met we the pupils of the entirety of High Schools in LAUSD will stage a walk out on Febuary 18th 2025.