As two teenage residents of Cranford, NJ, we were shocked and saddened by the loss of our peers—and stunned to discover that, in our state, the law does not adequately protect us or our friends from stalkers. The recent tragic deaths of two girls from Cranford High School have painfully highlighted the gaps in current legislation. These tragedies should never have occurred, and our hope is that, by sharing our community’s story, we can bring about change to prevent future loss of life.

In New Jersey, the legal age at which a restraining order can be filed against someone is 18, which unfortunately leaves teenagers vulnerable to harassment and stalking by other teenagers. The ineffective nature of no-contact orders for minors underscores the need for stronger legal protections. These orders do not carry the same weight or enforcement as official restraining orders, often leaving teens and their families without sufficient resources to ensure their safety.

According to stalkingawareness.org, teens are estimated to be at higher risk of becoming victims of stalking than adults. The National Center for Victims of Crime further notes that teenagers are particularly at risk as they navigate both online and offline interactions. For Cranford teens—and others across New Jersey—being unable to legally seek the protection of a restraining order until their stalker turns 18 can have dire consequences, as we have sadly witnessed.

This petition calls for New Jersey lawmakers to lower the age requirement for filing without an adult present and being subject to restraining orders to 15. Doing so would give teens access to life-saving protections. While restraining orders cannot eliminate all danger, they serve as a critical tool for law enforcement and can mean the difference between safety and harm.

We urge policymakers to take immediate action to address this serious oversight in legal protections for our youth. No other brother, sister, parent, or friend should experience the profound loss our community has faced. Proactive changes like these can save lives. We cannot wait for another tragedy to occur—please take action now to help us prioritize the safety of New Jersey’s teens by signing this petition.