As a concerned parent, I felt the need to start this petition about a situation personal to me and many others. My child, like many school children in Fall River, MA, is restricted from using their phone during school hours. The new policy implemented by Fall River Schools include the usage of Yondr pouches, blocking students from accessing their phones throughout the school day. The phone, for many, is a vital point of contact between them and their parents.

This policy not only hampers the free flow of communication, but is a safety concern as well. In any emergency situation, timely communication is vital. In 2019, the National Education Association reported that 35% of parents said they had to reach their child at school due to emergencies or essential communications. By restricting phone access, we increase the risk of delaying necessary interventions during crisis situations.

On an educational level, Pew Research reports that 95% of teens have access to a cellphone and 45% are online almost constantly. With such engagement, digital literacy and understanding are not just preferred, they're necessary. Schools should utilize this as an opportunity to guide students on using technology responsibly instead of complete restriction.

We ask the Fall River School board to reconsider the policy, for the safety of our children and to foster responsible use of technology. Let's balance safety and technology, not compromise one for the other. We urge you to sign this petition and support a policy that ensures the well-being and connectivity of our children.