As a sophomore exchange student in Switzerland for three months, Rye High School senior Rosie Zicherman was completely screen-free – an experience she found freeing.
“Not having a phone or going on a screen for three months really allowed me to connect with others with a sense of presence that you don’t have when phones are around,” said Zicherman.
That experience has inspired her to found an organization called (dis)Connect, a student-led initiative that aims to get kids off their phones through a variety of events like hiking, cookie swaps, and cupcake decorating.
It’s not a club with meetings, Zicherman said, but rather a series of excursions that she hopes will bring people together.
After reaching out to Mayor Josh Nathan to see how she could expand the initiative, Zicherman was connected to IRL (In Real Life), a local nonprofit whose aims are similar to hers.
The result? A “Phone-Free Afternoon,” an event planned for Saturday, Oct. 3, to be hosted by the Rye Free Reading Room that will encourage participants to put away their phones and enjoy an array of activities, including arts and crafts, games, friendship bracelet making, and reading on the library’s front lawn.
Lauren Tesoriere, who co-founded IRL, was happy to bring Zicherman on board to co-host the event.
“At IRL it feels like such validation to see students leading their own initiatives,” Tesoriere said. “We aren’t fighting anyone anymore to spread this message. It feels like everyone is getting on board.”
IRL now boasts chapters in many neighboring towns and continues its mission of encouraging families to delay smartphones and social media and to create more space for independence, play, and connection in real life.
“In partnership with IRL, we are working on creating more town-wide events and (hoping to involve) other Westchester chapters,” said Zicherman, a varsity softball and tennis player who is editor-in-chief of the RHS yearbook. She also has a passion for art and works at The Bruce Museum and a gallery in New York City.
She hopes (dis)Connect will increase its reach.
“We are looking to spread the phone-free connection,” she said.
Saturday’s event will bring together several organizations in Rye, including The Rye Arts Center, RyeACT, and The Rye Youth Council, all of which will be offering activities. And while there will be phone lockers on hand to check phones, Tesoriere said it won’t be mandatory to put aside your phone.
“Attendees will have the option to securely store their phones while they enjoy the event,” she said. “Whether they choose to do that or not, we hope the event builds awareness and helps normalize the practice of disconnecting.”
In addition to activities, there will be snacks and treats on hand provided by maman, the newest bakery in town.
