Teen Tech Council
Teens are often left out of the conversation when it comes to the policies that shape their lives, from phone bans to AI.
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.
An idea was born in New York.
In 2025, #HalfTheStory partnered with Governor Kathy Hochul to kick off a leadership program powering the next generation of digital wellness advocates to go beyond phone bans alone, shifting culture in schools across the state.
During our year-long initiative we:
- Held a Teen Tech Council Board meeting convening 20 teen leaders, NY Governor Kathy Hochul, and Secretary Hillary Clinton around what it will take for students to thrive in phone-free schools.
- Launched a Phone Free Fund Initiative that awarded teen-led projects up to $5k for digital wellbeing initiatives and reached 17,000 students across the State of NY.
- Hosted our in-person training day bringing 60 teens from across New York State to hone their leadership skills at their school and bring their voices to the decision-making process around technology.
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.
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
Now it’s spreading to California!
From coast to coast! After launching in New York, we’re bringing our Teen Tech Council to California.
In partnership with the Office of the First Partner, we’re bringing teens back to the table to co-create a statewide initiative that enables California students to contribute to policy on AI, innovation, and responsible technology use in the state.
Teen Tech Council members:
- build skills in AI literacy and human-centered design
- participate in action research
- develop digital wellness solutions that will shape the future of technology and AI
- create real change in their communities
- become leaders in shaping a healthier digital future
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, #HalfTheStory Founder and Executive Director Larz May, state leaders, and California teens launch the first-ever California Teen Tech Council.
Schools across the US banned phones. Teens are demanding more offline support
Guardian article, August 2026.
How Larissa May Is Turning Phone Free Schools Into A Youth Led Culture Shift
Forbes article, January 2026.
Gov. Hochul, Sec. Clinton lead push for screen-free New York schools
Mashable article, July 2025.