In many schools today, students hesitate to give class presentations — not because of stage fright, but because they're afraid of being secretly recorded and mocked on social media.

Principals across the country are spending their time managing the aftermath of incidents sparked by viral trends like “Ship or Dip” posts. Physical altercations between students are often filmed by bystanders and shared online, amplifying the harm.

In this episode, Dr. Ruston visits a middle school in Washington State and sits down with Principal Zach to explore what happened when phones were allowed on campus — and how things changed dramatically once new policies were put in place.

Zach shares the powerful transformation his school has experienced, and how restorative practices are helping students learn healthier ways to resolve conflict.

This episode is intended for both adult and teen audiences.

 

Featured Expert

Zach - Middle School Principal

 

Additional Links

Awayfortheday.org

Anti-Bullying Campaigns

Cyberbullying: How does your child define it?

Truths And Myths About Cyberbullying

 

Time Code

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

00:27 The Impact of Smartphones in Schools

01:11 Real-Life Examples of Digital Cruelty

03:44 School Policies to Combat Phone-Related Issues

04:02 Principal Zach's Experience and Insights

07:10 The Culture Shift and Restorative Practices

13:02 Student Rights and Reporting System

16:07 Understanding Multiple Perspectives

16:52 Building Empathy and Conflict Resolution

19:15 Restorative Circles and Safe Spaces

21:10 The Role of Social Media in Conflict

23:26 Addressing Inappropriate Behavior

24:02 Conclusion and Resources