Remove the phone ban in Georgia schools
The Issue
My name is Joshua "Mole King" Orme and this issue is personal for me. Recently, my phone was taken away during class time when the teacher wasn't even teaching. This left me without a way to contact my parents for 4-5 hours. What if something important or even tragic happened during that time? It's a scary thought for both students and parents to be left without a line of communication.
Across Georgia, students are facing similar situations due to blanket phone bans in schools. While we understand the intention behind these bans, which is to minimize distractions during class, there needs to be a more balanced and considerate approach. Phones are not just tools for communication; they serve as vital lifelines for students who may need immediate assistance, be it due to family emergencies, health concerns, or personal safety.
Also, phones are needed for Theatre to contact people, Weight Training to track numbers, and so much more.
According to a study by Insights for Education, over 70% of teenagers own a smartphone, and a 2019 Pew Research survey found that nearly half of the American teenagers feel "anxious" when they do not have access to their phones. This anxiety is not baseless; it is inherently tied to their safety and well-being.
Furthermore, the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that many schools have adopted technology in the classroom to engage students. Phones, in this digital age, can be leveraged as educational tools if utilized correctly. Instead of outright bans, implementing guidelines for judicious use of phones in school could turn a potential distraction into a learning advantage.
We propose a fairer policy that allows students to carry their phones but with boundaries—such as restricting usage during active class time but permitting them in intervals, and ensuring they are always accessible in case of emergencies. Schools like those in Silicon Valley and Finland have successfully incorporated such policies and seen positive outcomes.
For the safety, well-being, and educational enhancement of students in Georgia, I urge educational authorities to reconsider the blanket ban on phones in schools. Support this petition to promote a more balanced and modern approach to technology in education. Sign to make Georgia schools safer and more flexible environments for our students.
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The Issue
My name is Joshua "Mole King" Orme and this issue is personal for me. Recently, my phone was taken away during class time when the teacher wasn't even teaching. This left me without a way to contact my parents for 4-5 hours. What if something important or even tragic happened during that time? It's a scary thought for both students and parents to be left without a line of communication.
Across Georgia, students are facing similar situations due to blanket phone bans in schools. While we understand the intention behind these bans, which is to minimize distractions during class, there needs to be a more balanced and considerate approach. Phones are not just tools for communication; they serve as vital lifelines for students who may need immediate assistance, be it due to family emergencies, health concerns, or personal safety.
Also, phones are needed for Theatre to contact people, Weight Training to track numbers, and so much more.
According to a study by Insights for Education, over 70% of teenagers own a smartphone, and a 2019 Pew Research survey found that nearly half of the American teenagers feel "anxious" when they do not have access to their phones. This anxiety is not baseless; it is inherently tied to their safety and well-being.
Furthermore, the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that many schools have adopted technology in the classroom to engage students. Phones, in this digital age, can be leveraged as educational tools if utilized correctly. Instead of outright bans, implementing guidelines for judicious use of phones in school could turn a potential distraction into a learning advantage.
We propose a fairer policy that allows students to carry their phones but with boundaries—such as restricting usage during active class time but permitting them in intervals, and ensuring they are always accessible in case of emergencies. Schools like those in Silicon Valley and Finland have successfully incorporated such policies and seen positive outcomes.
For the safety, well-being, and educational enhancement of students in Georgia, I urge educational authorities to reconsider the blanket ban on phones in schools. Support this petition to promote a more balanced and modern approach to technology in education. Sign to make Georgia schools safer and more flexible environments for our students.
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Petition created on September 9, 2026