Who doesn’t want to unplug and reconnect? The Pine Bush High School SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) did just that recently, and the result was lots of smiles, laughter and learning about each other.

Kathleen O’Malley, the club’s advisor, invited the PBHS community to join them for some time to reconnect with each other. With all electronic devices tucked away, the group talked about different things – who they would be if they could swap life with a fictional character, what three emojis describe them and random skills they wish they could have immediately.

 

They answered some questions too. How does your phone impact the way to interact with others in person? Answers were very insightful. One student wrote: “It lowers my communication skills. It makes me want to text my friends even if we were in the same room. It also lowers my self-esteem when I speak in public.” Another answered “While I talk to people, I am usually listening to music. So, sometimes I can’t hear them.”

Another questions was What’s something you hope to gain from disconnecting from technology and being present with people around you? One student wrote, “I just want to be able to relax without my phone.” Another said “I hope to learn something about someone.”

 

 

Then, they got into two lines facing each other, and asked their partner questions about themselves. They were inquisitive; they smiled, getting to know more about each other. After a short time, one line moved down so that everyone now had a new partner.

 

 

After their chatting, they played board games and cards, and had some snacks, still with no devices. They survived it and actually enjoyed it. Let’s make it a habit! Maybe they’ll start a trend!