The North Dakota house bill 1160 primarily impacts students, but its effects extend to teachers, and parents/ guardians as well. One of the more significant consequences is the limitation of communication between parents/students during school hours. Under the bill, students are restricted from their device during instructional time, instructional time includes time periods such as lunch and passing period, and not only phones but also smart watches such as apple. It is then up to each school district to decide where students can store devices, some districts allow students to keep their phone in their backpack but if it is seen, it will be taken immediately. While other districts use lockable pouches or have students store their devices in lockers/ designated storage spaces. This bill forces parents to rely on slower or less effective methods of communication such as email or calling the front office, this is not always efficient as both parents and students can not constantly check their emails unlike briefly checking your phone at work or during passing periods. This communication barrier and shift can be stressful to both students and parents/guardians. If the North Dakota House Bill 1160 does not not get rescinded or change the strict policy within then the effects are adverse, this state bill shows resistance to local district needs and innovation schools had already adapted to. Doesn’t each school have specific needs? This state bill is a one size fits all type of bill when that is not always the case. Schools now need to adapt overnight to the no phone use in the classroom, when around the country phones are used for education purposes or can be, who knew? A reason the bill was introduced according to Governor Kelly Armstrong is that “We need to act now for the academic success, mental health and overall well-being of our students.” But those can argue that the limitation of phone during time such as lunch or class transition can make students feel disconnected or isolated from friends and family which can affect mental health negatively an issue we are actively trying to prevent from worsening. Tension between students and staff are already high as they are part-responsible for making sure students do not use their phone. This can harm teacher-student relationships and students can feel stressed as being disconnected from others and teachers enforcing the phone policy is overwhelming for both parties. Other unintended effects that are possible is high use of technology outside of school as students are restricted from it the entire school day and might feel the need to “catch up.” Or a student's academic success is also jeopardized as students may become distracted by other things such as personal conversations and off task behaviors. Now is a critical moment to act upon the North Dakota House Bill 1160, as the bill 1160 was recently signed by Governor Kelly Armstrong on April 25th, and effective august 1st. If we act now, then the chance of change is high, let us get the new law revised or rescinded before its too late. If we wait too long, schools will have the chance to adapt and students will bear the consequences, we need to advocate for students and as students show that we should have a voice in our education. Personal devices should be allowed during non Instructional time such as lunch and passing periods, as this does not affect a students learning. During class is understandable even to students, but why should we restrict phones the whole school day? Take time today to sign this petition and be the change our students need!