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Students like myself, have neurological disorders, which can mean different things for different people. For example, I have undiagnosed ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) as well as Dyslexia (trouble spelling and reading).

Disorders like these can cause all kinds of issues or young adults alike, such as; difficult keeping their attention on one subject, and getting easily distracted; unable to concentrate in loud/noisy environments; slow to process what other people are saying/zoning out and not hearing people; and more.

One thing to note is that these schools should, and my local schools do allow students with these medical conditions to have their phones for glucose, blood sugar monitors, insulin pumps and more. They get a “special exemption” which is fair.

In the past, to help deal with my problems, and anxiety I have had quiet music going through one earphone in my classes (with permission from the teacher, and not all the time). These new laws, making not even earphones aloud during school makes this very difficult for my learning situation, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.

I am looking into being diagnosed but there isn’t much point, as there is history of ASD in my family.

This law, intended to curb cyberbullying, has instead shifted it outside of school premises and out of sight from those who can intervene. 

It’s estimated that this is going to end up nearly doubling physical incidents within schools. This is not an improvement; it's merely shifting the problem elsewhere.

Moreover, this law also includes music players and watches – items that have little or no connection with cyberbullying. The blanket ban on these devices seems more like an overreach than a solution.

We believe that education about responsible use and digital citizenship should be prioritised over outright bans. We need our schools to prepare our children for a world where technology is integral, not hide it from them.

Therefore, we urge the Queensland Department of Education to reconsider this policy and find more balanced ways to address cyberbullying without infringing on students' rights or safety. Please sign this petition if you agree with us.