New York City students are one week into the statewide phone ban. Gothamist reporters checked in with teens across the district to see how they are adapting. Here's how they are handling their disconnected days.
Lower-tech life
Polaroids, walkie-talkies and decks of cards: New York City teens said these are some of the hot items circulating in schools now that the statewide smartphone ban is in effect.
Alia Soliman, a senior at Bronx Science, said cards “are making a big comeback.” She said kids are playing poker when they’re done with their work in some classes. Fellow students reported a surge in Uno.
“It seems to be very fun and engaging,” Soliman said.
She said members of the senior class are using vintage devices to capture memories and milestones.
“I’ve seen some of my friends bring in digicams,” Soliman said. “A lot of people are bringing in Polaroids.”
She’s looking into whether an MP3 player would be allowed in school to listen to while she studies.
“I’ll test the waters,” she said.
In Manhattan, Ethan Myer, a senior at Union Square Academy, said the ban is also helping kids get their steps in.
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