We urge school leaders to allow students to have their phones during lunch and class change, with clear rules that keep those times from becoming a free-for-all. A blanket ban may look like an easy fix, but it can create new problems while trying to solve old ones.

Phones are not just for entertainment. For many students, they are how we stay in touch with our families, check in with trusted adults, and feel a little safer during the school day. For quiet students, anxious students, or kids who are already dealing with bullying or other problems, having a phone can be a simple way to reach out when they need help. When phones are locked away all day, some students lose an important connection and school can feel more isolating.

This also makes it harder for students to make friends and connect with each other in the way they normally would. It can leave kids feeling cut off, unable to express themselves, and less safe at school. That is not the kind of school environment any of us want.

At the same time, we understand the concern that phones can be distracting and, in some cases, lead to more sneaky use. That is exactly why a balanced approach makes sense. Lunch and the time between classes are different from class time. Those are natural break periods, when students are moving, talking, and recharging. Allowing phones then gives students a little comfort and control without getting in the way of learning.

We ask school leaders to trust students with reasonable phone access during lunch and between classes. Our schools should help students feel safe, connected, and respected. A fair policy is better than one that cuts students off completely and creates more tension than it solves.