In today’s world, school safety is no longer a distant concern — it is a daily reality. Across the United States, schools increasingly enforce strict phone-free policies. As a student in California, I understand the intention behind reducing distractions in the classroom. However, laws like California’s AB 3216 — the Phone-Free School Act — go too far by mandating that schools restrict or completely prohibit student phone access during the school day.

While some campuses use locked Yondr-style pouches or other storage systems to prevent phone use, these policies fail to fully consider one critical issue: emergencies.

According to national data, thousands of school lockdowns occur each year in the United States due to threats, violence, or nearby criminal activity. In recent years, the number of school lockdowns has risen significantly, and many students have experienced at least one during their education. These events are not hypothetical — they are real, frightening, and unpredictable.

I know this firsthand. I have been in a school lockdown. I remember the confusion. The silence. Not knowing what was happening outside the classroom doors. In that moment, having my phone was not a distraction — it was reassurance. Being able to text my parents and tell them I was safe made an overwhelming situation feel slightly more manageable. It helped me stay calm.

Now imagine being in that same situation — but unable to reach your family. Unable to say “I’m okay.” Unable to ask for information. In what could potentially be the last opportunity to communicate with loved ones, students would be completely cut off.

Nearly 95% of teens in the United States have access to a smartphone, according to the Pew Research Center. For our generation, phones are not simply social devices — they are our primary means of communication and safety. During emergencies, they allow students to contact parents, receive real-time updates, and, if necessary, call emergency services.

Phone-free policies may reduce distractions in normal circumstances, but emergencies are not normal circumstances. A locked pouch cannot distinguish between a math class and a lockdown. In critical moments, seconds matter — and access to communication matters.

This petition does not argue against reasonable classroom management. It calls for balance. It asks the California legislature to revisit AB 3216 and revise it to include a clear emergency-access protocol that ensures students can immediately access their phones during lockdowns or other crises.

Student safety must include emotional security and the ability to communicate during life-threatening events. Policies designed to protect students should not unintentionally leave them isolated during the moments they need connection most.

Please sign this petition to urge California lawmakers to reconsider the Phone-Free School Act and ensure that student safety, communication, and peace of mind are fully protected.