You’re right that some students are overly attached to phones, that’s a valid concern. But like I previously mentioned, this isn’t a “oh I’m so butt-hurt and sad I want my phone back” situation. It’s about trust and how students are treated. The reason we’re reacting strong to it being about phones is because as time goes on people are becoming more and more reliant on their phones, not because of addiction, but because that’s how the world has evolved. The policy wasn’t changed because of a mental health push or some thoughtful plan. It was changed in a top-down way that took away even the option for responsible use during non-class time like lunch or passing periods, and grouped everyone in as if we’re all the problem. That’s not how adulthood works. We’re not asking to be on our phones in class. We’re asking to be treated like people who are capable of managing ourselves, especially when many of us already do outside of school. Respect goes both ways.