The danger of school shootings is always in the back of every parent's mind in Oklahoma and across the country. For parents like me, dropping our children off at school without the ability to reach us instantly in the event of an emergency is unthinkable. Senate Bill 139 looks to cut this critical lifeline by prohibiting cell phones in all Oklahoma schools, leaving our children more exposed during an emergency.

The supporters of the bill argue that the ban on cell phones will reduce distractions and improve academic performance. These reasons overlook the crucial role that cell phones play in ensuring the security of students. During a school shooting or any emergency, a cell phone may be the difference between life and death. It provides an instant link to emergency services, allows students to communicate with parents for immediate guidance and support, and can even allow school authorities to speed up evacuations or lockdowns.

Statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics show that over 80% of schools already possess policies governing cell phone use that both regulate cell phone use and ensure education safety and integrity. Oklahoma legislators should instead enact or prolong such policies specially tailored to each school's unique setting, instead of issuing a ban. Schools can perhaps regulate when and under what conditions cell phones are accessed without completely cutting off vital communication avenues.

The safety benefit of allowing students to bring cell phones to class far outweighs the reputed drawback of distraction. Would it not make sense to equip our children with all the means for their protection that we can, rather than putting them in harm's way unnecessarily? We owe it to ourselves, our children, and their teachers to create their environments as safe as is practicable and yet still supportive of learning.

Sign with me and urge Oklahoma lawmakers to reconsider and reject Senate Bill 139. Let us encourage the safety and peace of mind of every student and parent by signing this petition. Collectively, we can work towards sensible regulations that protect our children without compromising their learning experience. Sign and share this petition to help protect our children at Oklahoma schools.