How some NYC student journalists are covering the cell phone ban (Press Pass NYC)

[Katina Paron]

Thought you'd all find this round-up of NYC student media cell phone coverage from Press Pass NYC useful:

Greetings!

As the 2025-26 school year kicks into gear, I’m excited to review what our student newspaper reporters are writing about each Wednesday. Most student news teams are still getting up to speed, but for those already publishing the cell phone ban in the week's big story.

NOTE: These three newspapers below are well established, and did not need help from Press Pass NYC to get off the ground. But their students and teachers have participated in our programming over the years and we love sharing what they do.

Our friends at The Cardozo Verdict, at Cardozo HS, lay out all the rules of the new policy then get into reactions from students and teachers. “Students are talking to each other more now instead of looking down at their phones, so it’s nice to see the socialization being brought back,” said one teacher.

The 411 Press, the newspaper at Baruch College HS, report on mixed reactions to the ban — with one student saying money spent on cell phone storage could be put to better uses. But as another student remarked,” “Doesn’t mean I like it, but I understand the benefit.” 

The Classic at Townsend Harris HS reports on how the ban limits access to technology during the school day for some teens, and also features a crossword puzzle that’s all about cell phones!

For some schools, though, the cell phone ban is old news because the devices were already strictly limited. That’s the case at Bronx River High School, where we helped launch the Bronx River News.  

BRN reporters turned their attention to another form of technology: Minga. It’s a “digital hall pass” in which students sign in and out of class on iPads if they need to go to the bathroom or see a guidance counselor This enables teachers at Bronx River HS and the other schools sharing the same Lehman HS campus to monitor whether students are supposed to be in the hallways. While students and staff see the benefits, one teen said: “Some cons are that it may feel like it’s restricting freedom, strict rules, and no breaks from class if a student is stressed or struggling.” A few also questioned whether it will be reliable if Wi-Fi fails.

We look forward to sharing more student news this year. Please reach out if you quote from any of these articles or want to get in touch with their writers.

Many thanks

Beth Fertig

Executive Director, Press Pass NYC

917-658-3865