As a student in Cohoes, NY, I know firsthand how important it is to have access to a phone during the school day. I’ve experienced assault, harassment, insults, and threats from other students, and in those moments my phone has been my only lifeline — the fastest way to reach my parents and feel safe. Taking that away makes students like me more vulnerable at school, not less.

My parents fully support me in speaking out because they share the same concern: this ban removes one of the only tools students have to protect themselves and quickly connect with family in an emergency. Parents deserve to know their children can contact them if something goes wrong, and students deserve the peace of mind that help is only a call away.

While we understand the intent behind limiting distractions, the reality is that phones aren’t just for social media or games — they are essential for safety, communication, and mental well-being. In a world where 95% of teens own smartphones, cutting us off completely is impractical and dangerous. Every second matters in a crisis, and immediate access to a phone can save lives.

We’re not asking to use phones freely during class. A reasonable compromise would be requiring phones to remain silenced during lessons, but still allowing access during lunch, study halls, or between classes. That way, learning stays the focus in the classroom while safety and communication needs are still respected.

The current ban could unintentionally make bullying, harassment, and safety concerns worse. School should be a place where students feel secure enough to focus on learning, not where they feel cut off from support.

Myself along side my family ask that administrators in Cohoes reconsider this policy and adopt a balanced approach that values both education and student safety. By signing this petition, you’ll be supporting students and families who simply want schools to remain a safe, supportive environment for everyone.