In Conway, Missouri, students like myself are frustrated by the implementation of SB-68, which enforces a total ban on phone usage during school hours. While I understand and fully support the need to prohibit phone use during class to ensure a focused learning environment, I find it unreasonable and impractical to extend this ban to times outside of the classroom, such as during lunch, in the hallways, and between classes.

For many of us, lunchtime and breaks between classes are the limited opportunities we have to connect with family and friends, manage extracurricular commitments, and access educational resources or mental health apps that are increasingly important in today’s demanding school environments. The universal ban on phone usage limits our ability to stay organized and maintain our mental well-being.

Research conducted by the Pew Research Center indicates that 95% of teens use smartphones, highlighting their integral role in our daily lives. With the correct guidance and supervision, phone usage can be beneficial rather than disruptive. Many schools across the United States allow students to use their phones during designated non-instructional times without any negative impact on education. Instead, they report increased student satisfaction and a school culture that respects students’ autonomy.

I am calling on the local school authorities and state legislators to review SB-68 and consider amending the policy to permit phone use during non-class times. This approach respects the educational needs while acknowledging students' rights to harness technology responsibly. Allowing phone use during breaks would still uphold academic integrity while promoting a balanced, realistic approach to modern-day education.

If you believe in a fair approach to digital device management in schools, please sign this petition to urge our leaders to make a sensible change to SB-68.