Teen Tech Council

The Teen Tech Council (TTC) is a first-of-its-kind youth leadership initiative that positions young people as central partners in shaping healthier digital ecosystems. Developed in partnership with the State of New York and Governor Kathy Hochul, the council serves as a national model for how teens can lead the implementation of phone-free schools and inform digital policy that prioritizes student wellbeing.

What is the Teen Tech Council?

By centering teen voices, the Teen Tech Council empowers teen leaders to design and implement digital wellness initiatives that foster real-world connection and community in their schools. The initiative builds on #HalfTheStory’s proven track record of cultivating youth leadership through the Digital Civics Academy and Teen Advisory Board, which together have trained young leaders across 56 U.S. cities and nine countries.

In summer 2025, #HalfTheStory hosted the inaugural Teen Tech Council Board Meeting, which brought 20 New York-based teens to the table with Governor Kathy Hochul to discuss phone use policies, peer-centered solutions, and have the opportunity to consult for the state on an effective distraction-free school strategy implementation in New York.

In November 2025, the New York Teen Tech Council officially kicked off with a high-energy, in-person Training Day bringing together 60+ teen leaders from New York City for a transformative training focused on empowering the next generation of digital wellness advocates. This was followed by a virtual digital leadership program, which provides students with the opportunity to hone their leadership skills at their school and brings their voices to the decision-making process around technology. Teen Tech Council members also have the opportunity to apply to the $300,000 Phone-Free Fund, receiving up to $5k towards initiatives promoting digital wellness in their schools.

Spotlight: Our Phone-Free Fund Winners!

I wanted to create something for students that don’t belong to a sports team to still have something meaningful to do after school other than going home and doom scroll. My club aims to shift students mindsets around digital wellness and help them commit to bettering their life.

Abdullah A.

16, Buffalo

I noticed that the phone ban took away students' phones without introducing them to healthy alternatives and many students scroll on social media as a coping mechanism for school stress. By introducing “Craft Carts” to my school, students will have the opportunity to see how arts and crafts are a better method for stress relief than scrolling on social media.

Fiona M.

17, Manhattan

We wanted to create a phone-free, digital-camera themed scavenger hunt because we wanted to bring a really fun, unforgettable, low-commitment after-school activity to our school. We know making IRL connections and memories with peers is so important in our digital world right now. We think this event will mean a lot to our school community, and it has the potential to become a beloved yearly tradition.

Lukas D.

15, Scarsdale

I wanted to create this project because students are often overwhelmed and deserve a space where they can breathe, reset, and feel calm during the school day. This detox room will give our community a supportive spot to recharge and take care of their mental health.

Olivia H.

16, Long Island

Panelists Ally Millar, Harveer Saini, Shudufhadzo Musida, and Alexis Willaims speaking at Teen Tech Council Training Day in New York, moderated by Rachel Hale. November 2025.

Photo Credit: #HalfTheStory/C. Olfers

Governor Kathy Hochul, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, and #HalfTheStory Establish First Teen Tech Council for New York, Providing Authentic Youth Perspectives on Distraction-Free School Initiative.

Photo Credit: Clinton Foundation/L. Richman