I have always relied on my phone to help navigate through my school day. I fill my study breaks with calming tunes which aid in soothing my anxiety. Now, this essential coping mechanism has been ripped away from me due to the new Yonder Pouches policy of the Des Moines and Ankeny School Districts. This policy is not only an invasion of my personal space, but it also feels like a statement of mistrust towards all students' responsibilities.

Let me be clear, as a student with autism and ADHD, I grapple with personal boundaries on a daily basis. So, being forced to part from my phone feels like another personal boundary being unnecessarily stripped away. In addition, I am not alone. Countless other students who have similar issues are also affected by this policy.

Some of us do not use our devices for social media during school hours, as the school believes, but for coping with daily stresses. In 2019, American Psychiatry Association found that music therapy plays a significant role in reducing anxiety, particularly in adolescents (American Psychiatry Association). Robbing us of this anxiety-reducing tool seems a counteractive step for a system that should prioritize student welfare.

Let's stand together to repeal this invasive policy. Allow us to keep our phones, encourage trustworthiness, and respect our individual needs. Sign this petition if you believe in supporting each student's right to manage their personal tools responsibly.