I would like to formally counter the new cellphone policy for Fairfax County Public Schools in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. This policy would change cellphone restrictions - as well as internet related devices - for high school students, giving us zero access to our phones from bell-to-bell.

The reason I take issue with this updated policy is because I simply don't understand why it's necessary. Why can't we be allowed on our phones for thirty minutes out of seven hours of non-stop school? Why can't we be allowed to text our family and friends? If the answer to these questions is "we want kids to socialize more" or "we've had problems with students breaking the policy, so it's better to get rid of phone access all together" then I implore you to ask yourself this. Is the reason students aren't socializing as much or are breaking the policy is because we aren't allowed to have our phones, save for roughly thirty minutes?  Why shouldn't we be allowed to have our phones during passing periods? And, if we "aren't socializing" and "are always on our phones", why are we constantly told to quiet down in the lunch rooms. It doesn't make sense.

Our generation is centered around technology, and while it is extremely important to be self-reliant and not require technology and the internet for everything, it is completely unrealistic to take away our main information source and form of distance communication. Students rely on the time we have with our phones to talk to our parents, coordinate with friends, stay updated on the world and it's events, and so much more. For me - and many of my peers - having time to go on my phone and relax is the easiest way to regulate my brain between classes. Having our phones also gives us the opportunity to take photos, make memories, and access things like music and platforms that are blocked by our school system. 

Mental health is important, but if you were truly worried about it, you would focus more on the impact school stress has on students mental capacity - which is the reason many of us need to find ways to emotionally regulate in the first place. There are so many other changes that need to be made in this county, why are we focusing on something that isn't an issue? In a fast-paced, tech-driven world where we have enough to worry about, don't take our phones. Teach us how to use them. 

If you are sympathetic to this viewpoint, please consider signing this petition to make the change.