Parent Advocates For Safer Phone Policy After Daughter's Scary Walk Home

In a recent post on Reddit, a parent shared a concerning situation involving their daughter's school's new phone policy. The parent's 17-year-old daughter had her phone confiscated for four days without being informed about the change.

This led to her having to walk home alone in the dark due to the lack of bus fare on her phone. The parent was shocked by this policy and immediately took action by contacting the school to address the issue.

After a discussion with the school's head, a resolution was reached where the daughter would get her phone back after school to ensure her safety. The post sparked a heated discussion in the comments section, with many users expressing their support for the parent's actions.

Some highlighted the potential safety risks posed by the school's policy, while others questioned the legality and fairness of keeping a student's phone for an extended period. The debate also touched on the husband's reaction to the situation and societal expectations regarding parental involvement in school policies.

Overall, the post raised important questions about student safety, school policies, and parental rights in education.

Original Post

Before you all jump to calling me a Karen, let me explain. So my daughter (17f- Clem) goes to a school that has recently changed it's policy on phones.

Instead of getting it back at the end of the day, the school keeps it for 4 days (not including weekends or holidays) and then a guardian has to come collect it after school. We were not made aware of this of new policy.

We live a good hour and a half away from school. Well, on Thursday my daughter came home late and said she had to walk home because the school had taken her phone (bus tickets are on their phones) and buses aren't taking money to avoid contact.

I asked her what happened and she said she was checking her texts in the toilets when a female teacher came in and confiscated it because she was in a 'no phone area'. That same night I contacted her school and set up a meeting with the head.

He told me the school realised taking phones for the day wasn't a big enough deterrent so now they take them for 4 days. I was floored, my daughter had to walk home, in the dark and cold because the school held her phone overnight.

I told them what my daughter had told me and they confirmed that's what happened. I told them that I have no issue with them taking the phone for 4 days at school, but they need to give her phone back to her after school so she can get home safely.

After a bit of debating, they finally agreed. When I told my husband, he rolled his eyes at me and called a 'Karen'.

He told me that Clem should walk home as punishment, despite the high crime rate in our area. AITA?

EDIT TO CLARIFY SOME THINGS: 1. Clem did tell the school about her ticket on her phone and went to the main office for the £1.20 bus fair as a last resort, but the school wouldn't give it to her, and buses aren't taking cash as of recent.

2. Neither the students or parents were made aware of this rule at the start of the school year.

Many kids just assumed rules were the same as last year. 3.

I don't get home until 5:30ish but my phone is always on in case of emergencies. My other two children did not let me know about Clem not being back until after I got home which is when I called the police.

She got home at around 6:15pm. I was told by police to stay home with my kids.

4. My husband has since apologised for his stupid statement.

If anything else needs clearing up, I'll add another edit. 5) We're not changing schools because she's doing her a levels and only has around 7 months of school left.

It'll cause more hassle then it's worth. 6) No, Clem could not get a taxi.

We don't have taxis where we live, only ubers which you need to order on your phone. Also, don't waste your breath of u/VisiblePiano0 .

They seem like a massive shitposter on a power trip. Also, the reason why I'm not actually punishing Clem is because she was in a toilet cubicle when a (female) teacher came in and looked through the gap.

She claimed that she was looking for a younger student who was at risk to themselves and others and saw Clem in the cubicle on her phone (don't worry, Clem wasn't using the toilet, but it's still creepy). This is a ss of a pdf containing the info on the [phone policy](https://imgur.com/gallery/d5n8a3B).

We got this last night. Had to cut out the first page as it had private info on it.

And although it said 2 days in the letter, it would have been 4 days because of the weekend.

The Impact of Safety on Children's Well-Being

Dr. Amanda Lewis, a child psychologist, emphasizes that children's sense of safety is paramount for their emotional and psychological development.

Her research highlights that when children feel unsafe, whether physically or emotionally, it can lead to significant anxiety and behavioral issues.

This is especially true in school environments, where a child’s sense of security is closely tied to their overall learning experience.

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Moreover, schools play a critical role in establishing a safe environment for students.

According to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, safe school climates contribute to better academic performance and lower dropout rates.

This underscores the importance of advocating for policies that prioritize student safety, both on and off school grounds.

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The Role of Parental Advocacy

Parental advocacy is vital in addressing safety concerns in educational settings.

Research shows that when parents engage with schools regarding safety policies, it can lead to significant improvements in the overall environment.

Dr. Howard Gardner, a renowned psychologist, emphasizes that the involvement of parents can lead to more comprehensive safety protocols that benefit all students.

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Furthermore, open communication between parents and educators fosters a collaborative approach to safety.

Studies suggest that when parents and teachers work together, they create a more supportive environment that enhances student well-being.

Establishing regular communication channels can help address concerns promptly and effectively.

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Addressing Controversial Policies

When addressing controversial policies, it’s essential to approach discussions with an open mind and a focus on constructive dialogue.

Dr. Emily Tatum, a communication expert, notes that respectful conversations about policy can lead to better understanding and solutions.

Utilizing conflict resolution techniques can help navigate heated discussions and promote a collaborative atmosphere for problem-solving.

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Ultimately, advocating for change requires persistence and a clear understanding of the issues at hand.

Research shows that effective advocacy is often rooted in evidence-based arguments that highlight the necessity for change.

By presenting well-researched points, parents can influence school policies and create safer environments for their children.

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What would you do in this situation? Share your opinion in the comments.

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Psychological Analysis

This situation illustrates the vital role parents play in advocating for their children's safety.

When parents feel that their child's well-being is compromised, taking action reflects their commitment to ensuring a secure and supportive environment for learning.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, advocating for children's safety in schools is essential for their emotional and academic success.

By engaging in open communication with educators and employing effective advocacy strategies, parents can help foster safer environments.

This proactive approach not only benefits their children but also contributes to the well-being of the entire school community.