Earlier this year, New York governor Kathy Hochul passed the “Bell to Bell” no cellphone policy with the hopes of changing the way students experience a regular school day. Some argue that the ban will help improve focus, classroom engagement, and mental health, while others who disagree argue in regards to safety and communication. This topic of conversation has become heavily talked about among students and has been widely circulated on social media.

The phone ban did not come out of nowhere. In fact, for years teachers have been expressing their concerns over constant distractions, lower attention spans, and students’ mental health. Governor Hochul passed this policy in response to these concerns. Under the ban, schools are expected to limit students’ cell phone use throughout the school day.

Some schools decided to use Yonder Pouches,  which collected students’ phones or any device that is connectable to the Internet. This pouch locks with a pressable button and students are allowed to keep their pouches in their bags throughout the day, but they cannot open them. These pouches are only opened at the end of the school day with a strong magnet. At Roslyn High School, students are advised to keep their phones in their bags. Kids being kids did not listen to these rules at the beginning of the year until they began to see the consequences. Once students realized that phones were going to be taken away and brought to the office till the school day ended, they began to cooperate. 

Although at first, it felt like a punishment, students began to realize that it was for their own good. 

Join host Stella Torshizi as she talks about the New York State phone ban, how it is affecting students, and why it is currently the main topic of discussion here at Roslyn High School.

Articles referenced in this podcast:

The Anchor

Cell Phones in Schools - Britannica

Tik Tok is is a popular social media platform that allows people to watch and create short-form videos. Recently, there has been national security worries regarding Tik Tok and the fact that it is ultimately controlled by the Chinese government. This raised concerns throughout Congress in regards to how US Citizens' private data is being accessed and shared. 

Stella Torshizi, a sophomore at Roslyn High School, is an avid supporter of Tik Tok and uses it as both a way to express herself and attain information. She thinks this digital cornerstone of American communication should be saved. 

Articles referenced in this podcast:

"Why TikTok is Facing a U.S Ban" 

TikTok is a tool for mental health, not a threat to it