stop or change Tennessee cell phone policy.

Why does the petition matter? 

it has been announced that at volunteer comprehensive high school, phones are not allowed to be in use during classes and only during the 5 minute class change period and lunch, unless it is instructed that a student's phone is allowed to be in use by an administrator's permission. 

Without the usage of cell phones, how are we supposed to contact our Gurdians if an emergency were to break out? On an article about mass school shootings by knoxseniors.org, it states "As time passes, we got back to the normal things we were doing. Nothing was done to figure out why the shootings occurred or what could be done to prevent another one from happening. Years have passed. More mass shootings have occurred. No effort has been made to prevent them from occurring. Most of us came to accept this was the normal part of living in America. We just had to be careful." This is proof that shootings have become a regular thing, without devices how would we be able to contact any trusted parent/guardian? What if that was you, with your child in that situation. Wouldn't you want an immediate response? 

Studies show that cellular devices are an issue in schools, however phones can also benefit students. For example, listening to music. Studies show listening to music can increase released dopamine, de-stress, increase motivation. Aid memory, etc. As a school system, schools should care for their student's mental health and wellbeing. They should want their students motivated and happy. Music also calms and comforts people, let alone being able to just listen to music would calm the nerves of so many people. Music can also reduce distractions which can easily improve concentration and success. Fnu.edu states "Music is found to help people perform better in high-pressure situations, such as the bi-annual high-pressure event that is finals week." 

Nobody likes being in a quite classroom. Even after you're done with your work. Do you like being in awkward places or situations? I know a-lot of people who are unable to focus in quiet and awkward environments. Another thing is that some students may be in classes where they don't know anyone and feel alone and get anxious. Students can also get anxious around their peers no matter who they might be with. 

Once again, as a school system, they should want the best for their students and want to improve their mental health. We all have things that comfort us. That can be inanimate things, person, artist, etc. A-lot of students in today generation rely on things such as music or an person/people to help that. It is proven that feeling comfort by something or someone can improve happiness and overall mental health. Taking away devices could mean taking away things that may comfort a student. They could be texting a person that makes them comfortable if they are uncomfortable or anxious. Music can also be provided from comfort. 

MicroTrax.com quotes "113 cell phones are lost or stolen every minute in the U.S school is supposed to be a safe place, but now students are constantly paranoid, worried that their possessions might be nickeled at any time." Why should we have to worry about someone taking a personal device that is our property? Phone prices can range from under 100 dollars to over 1000 dollars. Phones being stolen can be a big issue and can not only infuriate students but can infuriate their guardians. A-lot of student's phones are bought/paid off by their parents/guardians. What do we do if they were to get stolen? 

With this petition, we want to change this policy. There can be a time for work and then a time after for people to wind down and relax. Crossrivertherapy.com states that 45% of students in highschool admit to being stressed almost every day in school. They also state that 61% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 feel stress over producing satisfactory grades. 

With this petition, we could be allowed to have phones (with permission/conformation from admistrator) after we are done with our work. Whose fault is it if someone doesn't get all their work done? Why should the people that do what they are supposed to get done finished and have to sit in an awkward situation because everyone has to be done in order to move on. If you think about it, this can motivate students. They can be excited to get on their phones. (Because they can provide comfort) Again, admistrators can look over the work. Students are very stressed and taking away phones can make that stress and worry overall worse. Being able to be on your phone after you've finished everything you need should be allowed. Administrators can confirm with students. Letting us have our phones let us connect with loved ones.