On this episode of B.T.G.S. Radio, today’s hottest and coolest new music station on Stationhead, host Kathleen Masciana welcomes her former high school technology teacher, Ms. Tina Perretti, to break down New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s sweeping new “bell-to-bell” cell phone ban for public schools. The ban, set to start next year, will require all K-12 students to keep smartphones and internet-enabled devices put away for the entire school day-including class, lunch, and study hall-with exceptions only for medical needs, learning disabilities, or translation support. Hochul’s goal is to eliminate digital distractions, curb compulsive social media use, and tackle the student mental health crisis, insisting that “we need classrooms where young minds can flourish, and that means eliminating once and for all the digital distractions that steal our kids’ attention.” Kathleen, who supports the ban in classrooms for helping students focus, shares her reservations about restricting phones during lunch and study hall-she sees these as free time when students should have more autonomy. She also voices concerns about emergency communication, questioning how quickly kids can reach their families if phones are locked away, a worry echoed by students and critics statewide. Drawing from her own experience as a blind college student, Kathleen describes how her university leaves phone rules to professors; in some classes, she must keep her phone off and her Apple Watch in Schooltime Mode, but she’s allowed to use her tablet and braille computer for accessibility, staying in touch with family via WhatsApp. This firsthand perspective highlights both the challenges and workarounds for students with accommodations under strict device policies. As the conversation unfolds, Kathleen and Ms. Tina debate whether it’s practical-or even fair-to enforce a total ban during all parts of the school day, and discuss how schools can balance safety, focus, and freedom while ensuring parents can always reach their children. Tune in for a nuanced, real-world look at how the new phone ban could reshape school life, and what it means for students, teachers, and families across New York.

Blind Techie Geek Speaks Unplugged is your weekly escape into a screen-free weekend philosophy experiment with host Kathleen Masciana. Each episode explores what happens when she steps away from screens and lives offline, sharing honest food reviews, behind-the-scenes at restaurants, and personal experiences. Join Kathleen on this mindful journey to unplug, savor real moments, and discover the impact of digital detoxing. New episodes premiere every week starting April 19th—stay tuned!

I borrowed an interesting book from the library and I want to share it with all of you. I hope you enjoy today’s read aloud of Duel!: Burr and Hamilton's Deadly War of Words by Dennis Brindell Fradin 📚