Imagine being in school and feeling unsafe, not having the option to reach out for immediate help, or even just trying to contact your parents during the day. This is a reality for many students in Maryland due to current policies banning the use of phones during school hours, even during lunch breaks. Let me tell you why this policy needs to change.

Earlier this year, there was an incident where I witnessed a situation that felt dangerous. Without a phone on hand, the fear of not being able to alert the authorities or call my parents was overwhelming. It's a situation no student should have to face. Denying phone access is not just inconvenient; it poses a safety risk, leaving students vulnerable in potential emergencies.

Phones are not merely distractions; they are lifelines. Having the ability to call the police in case of danger or communicate with our parents about any concerns is essential. In a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 84% of teenagers said they are connected to their parents through their phones, using them as a primary safety tool.

What can be done? Schools in Maryland should revise the current phone ban policy to allow students to have access to their phones during designated times, such as lunch breaks. By adopting a more flexible approach, schools can ensure a balance between minimizing classroom disruptions and keeping students connected and safe when it's absolutely necessary.

This petition is a call to action to the authorities in Maryland to reconsider and revise the phone ban policy. We urge the Maryland Department of Education and local school districts to listen to the concerns of students and parents and work towards a policy that acknowledges the reality of modern communication and safety needs.

Please sign this petition to make sure that we don’t have to choose between following rules and staying safe. Together, we can make a change that reflects the importance of student safety while respecting educational environments.