As a deeply concerned parent and community member, I have witnessed firsthand the negative impact unrestricted cell phone usage in schools can have on our children. A child close to me was pushed to the brink of despair, feeling like they wanted to end their life due to harassment facilitated by unrestricted cell phone use. This is not an isolated incident but part of a larger problem that threatens our students, staff, and community.

Cell phones are causing harassment within our schools in Minnesota. They are creating problems for employers who are dealing with a generation of people who are addicted to cell phones, and this is not okay. The misuse of these devices sends a wrong message about our community's values, suggesting we do not care about the wellbeing of our staff, students and is in violation of many of the policies in the school handbook.

Furthermore, this issue has had a negative impact on school enrollment rates as parents become increasingly concerned about their children's safety. Alarmingly, it also feeds into the sex trade pandemic, and mental health issues plaguing this country. It is our responsibility and our right as citizens of this community to ensure that we are fostering a healthy, safe, environment. We are not raising children, we are raising adults. 

Technology is a tool. Like anything else, it can be misused. 

We need immediate action from educational authorities to restrict cell phone usage before or after school hours only. By doing so we can create safer learning environments for all students while ensuring that staff members can perform their duties without fear or disruption.

Please sign this petition if you believe in safeguarding the future of our children by restricting cell phone use during school hours.