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Teens hack school cell phone bans with creative workarounds

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Teens hack school cell phone bans with creative workarounds

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Across the country, schools are cracking down on cell phone use. At least 18 states have rolled out bell-to-bell bans, with New York calling phones “distraction devices.” Teachers are praising the shift, saying classes feel more focused. But teens? They’re not giving up so easily.

Students are sidestepping bans in the most millennial-inspired way possible, turning Google Docs into digital chat rooms. With laptops open, it looks like they’re working on assignments. In reality, they’re typing messages back and forth in real time, just like an old-school AOL chat room.

SCHOOLS’ SAFETY TOOLS ARE SPYING ON KIDS — EVEN AT HOME

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Students secretly turn Google Docs into real-time chatrooms. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

A creative workaround for school cell phone bans

Parents and teachers admit the workaround is clever. One teacher said she respects her students’ determination to stay connected and even acknowledged that the phone ban has improved behavior and focus in class. Still, she worries that turning Google Docs into chat rooms could open the door to bullying or cheating. Parents are also weighing in. One parent told CyberGuy that some kids in their district are buying MacBooks just so they can text each other through iMessage. Others, the parent added, are leaning on email threads or even old-school Post-It notes to keep the conversation alive.

Teens share their classroom hacks on TikTok with pride. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Social media reaction

On TikTok, students proudly show off their “secret” Docs conversations. Captions range from playful, “Your cell phone rule was never going to stop me,” to defiant: “Can’t ever silence us, queens.” The creativity is earning laughs from older generations who remember the days before smartphones. But the trend is also stirring debate. Some parents see it as a harmless way for kids to adapt, while others worry it undermines the entire point of the ban. Educators are split too, amused by the ingenuity, yet frustrated that students are still finding ways to drift off task during lessons. The viral clips prove one thing for sure: when it comes to tech, today’s teens will always find a workaround.

Some kids buy MacBooks to keep texting through iMessage. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Parent tips for navigating school cell phone bans

If your child’s school has adopted a phone ban, there are a few ways you can help them adjust while keeping communication open and safe:

  • Talk about the rules at home: Explain why schools are putting these bans in place and set expectations for how your child should behave with laptops and other devices.
  • Offer safe communication plans: Work with your child and the school to establish how you’ll contact each other in case of an emergency. Some districts allow phones in lockers or require them to stay powered off in backpacks.
  • Encourage balance: Remind your child that downtime from screens can actually help them focus better in class and relax during the school day.
  • Monitor alternatives: Keep an eye on how your child uses tools like Google Docs, email or messaging apps. What starts as chatting with friends can sometimes veer into bullying or cheating.
  • Be open to feedback: Ask your child how the ban is affecting their school day. Their perspective can help you understand where the real challenges and benefits are showing up.

TEENS AND PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING: WHY THIS DEADLY HABIT PERSISTS

What this means for you

If you’re a parent, this shows just how inventive kids can be when rules are put in place. Cell phone bans may cut down on scrolling, but students are quickly shifting to other tools. They’re chatting through shared Google Docs, buying MacBooks so they can iMessage during class, swapping notes over email, and even sticking to old-school Post-Its to stay in touch. While some of these workarounds seem harmless, they also carry risks, from distractions that take focus away from learning to new opportunities for bullying or even cheating. For teachers, it’s a reminder that managing distractions in the classroom goes beyond phone policies. Laptops, messaging apps, and even simple sticky notes can become back doors for the same behaviors schools are trying to limit. 

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Phone bans are reshaping the school day, and educators are already seeing benefits. Yet students are proving they’ll always find ways to connect, whether through phones, laptops or even retro workarounds that echo the early internet era.

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What do you think? Are these bans helping kids learn better, or are they simply pushing students to get sneakier with tech? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com/Contact

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Technology

All the news about Ferrari’s polarizing Luce EV

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All the news about Ferrari’s polarizing Luce EV

Ferrari released the first interior images of the company’s first all-electric supercar, called the Ferrari Luce (“light” in Italian). This is the second time the Italian automaker has teased the Luce (formerly Elettrica) without showing us the actual car, or even a silhouette. But the interior images should suffice given the bold-faced name of the designer: Jony Ive.

Ferrari decided to outsource the work of designing the Luce’s interior to Ive and his partner Marc Newson, who together run the design shop LoveFrom. Ive, obviously, is well known for his work as Apple’s former chief designer, overseeing such iconic products as the iMac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Now he’s turning his attention to a vehicle from Ferrari — and perhaps, in the process, giving us an idea of what an Apple car could have looked like, had the tech giant decided to pursue its secretive Project Titan instead of spiking it.

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Technology

Your health app may be failing you

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Your health app may be failing you

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Healthcare has moved onto your phone. That sounds convenient until you are staring at a login screen, trying to refill a prescription, book a telehealth visit or figure out why your insurance portal will not load.

For many older adults, this shift has created a new kind of health problem. It is called low digital health literacy, and it can affect much more than your patience.

Digital health literacy means having the knowledge, access and confidence to use online health tools. That includes apps, patient portals, prescription refills, telehealth visits, benefit websites and digital forms.

New research from CVS Health on Medicare-age adults found that many seniors want to use digital health tools. However, they often hit roadblocks that make care harder to manage. Those roadblocks include confusing portals, privacy concerns, outdated devices, spotty internet and hard-to-follow health information.

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HOW TO HELP OLDER RELATIVES WITH TECH OVER THE HOLIDAYS

That can lead to missed appointments, delayed care, prescription problems and more stress for people already managing health challenges.

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SCAMMERS EXPLOITED MOM’S FEARS TO STEAL HER ENTIRE LIFE’S SAVINGS

Older adults are increasingly managing healthcare through apps and online portals, but confusing systems and security concerns are making digital care harder to navigate. (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

 

Why digital health literacy affects your care

Healthcare companies, insurance plans, pharmacies and doctors’ offices now rely heavily on digital tools. You may need an app to check test results. You may need a portal to message your doctor. You may need a website to understand your benefits.

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That works well when the tool feels simple. It becomes a problem when the tool creates more confusion than clarity.

The CVS Health research found that digital health literacy challenges appeared across several common areas. Many older adults struggled to navigate health information online. Others worried about whether websites or apps could protect their personal information. Some lacked reliable internet or newer devices. Many simply felt unsure about what to click next.

That uncertainty matters. When someone cannot access a portal, understand a benefit or complete a refill request, digital care becomes a barrier instead of a shortcut.

Why seniors need better digital health support

One of the most important findings is encouraging. Older adults are not rejecting technology across the board. In fact, the research found that 86% of respondents were open to digital health engagement. Many were willing to learn. They just wanted tools that matched their comfort level.

That point challenges a common assumption. The bigger issue is design. Many people want to use digital health tools, but the experience often feels confusing. A person may use a smartphone every day and still struggle with a health portal. Health tasks can feel more stressful than everyday online tasks because the stakes are higher. A wrong click can feel risky. A confusing message can raise anxiety. A failed login can delay something important.

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Common digital health problems older adults face

The research points to several pain points that will feel familiar to many older adults.

1) Confusing portals and health websites

Many people feel overwhelmed when trying to find health information online. They may not know which portal to use, where to check benefits or how to fix an error message. This gets harder when each doctor, pharmacy or insurer uses a different system. One login handles test results. Another handles prescriptions. A separate website shows insurance coverage. That creates a lot of digital homework.

2) Passwords and login problems

Simple tasks can fall apart at the login screen. Forgotten passwords, two-factor codes and account lockouts can stop someone from getting the care information they need. Security matters. Still, a login process that feels impossible can push people away from digital care entirely.

3) Privacy and scam concerns

Many older adults worry about sharing personal information online. That concern makes sense. Health accounts can contain sensitive details, including medications, diagnoses, insurance information and payment data. Scammers also target older adults with fake medical messages, bogus pharmacy alerts and phishing emails that look official. As a result, some people hesitate even when a real health message arrives.

4) Old devices and weak internet access

Digital health tools assume people have reliable internet, updated phones and working software. Many do not. Older devices may run slowly or fail to support newer apps. Limited internet access can make telehealth frustrating. Cost can also stop people from upgrading devices or paying for faster service.

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Why telehealth still feels risky for some seniors

Telehealth became familiar to many people during the pandemic. The research found that many Medicare respondents had previous telehealth experience and saw its convenience. Still, some remained skeptical. The biggest concern was whether telehealth could actually address their health problem.

That hesitation makes sense. A video visit may work well for a follow-up question, medication discussion or minor issue. It may feel wrong for a new symptom, pain that needs an exam or anything that feels urgent. The takeaway is simple. Telehealth works best when patients understand when to use it and when to ask for in-person care.

GOOGLE’S AI UNLEASHES POWERFUL SCAM-BUSTING FEATURES FOR ANDROID

New CVS Health research found many Medicare-age adults want to use digital health tools, but outdated devices, login issues and privacy fears remain major obstacles. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

How AI could change digital health literacy

AI is starting to appear in healthcare tools. It may help explain benefits, answer basic questions and guide people through online tasks. Used well, AI could reduce frustration. It could translate confusing health language into plain English. It could help someone find the right next step faster.

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However, AI also creates a new challenge. People need to know when they are dealing with AI, what the tool can do and when they should ask for a real person. That human backup is important. For healthcare, trust often depends on knowing help is available when something feels confusing, sensitive or serious.

How to use health apps safely

If you have ever felt stuck inside a health app, you are not alone. Digital health tools can help you manage care, but only when you know how to use them safely. Here are the key things to know.

1) Keep a written list of your health logins

Keep a secure list of your main health websites and apps. Include your doctor portal, pharmacy account, insurance account and telehealth platform. A password manager can make this much easier. It can store strong passwords, fill them in for you and reduce the chance that you type your information into a fake site. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at CyberGuy.com.

On iPhone running: Go to Settings > General > AutoFill & Passwords. Turn on AutoFill Passwords and Passkeys. Then choose the password app you want to use. Apple says Password AutoFill can fill saved passwords and passkeys from the Passwords app or supported password apps.

On a Samsung phone: Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

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Go to Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Passwords, passkeys and autofill > Preferred service. Choose Samsung Pass, Google or your preferred password manager. If you do not see that path, open Settings and use the search bar at the top to search Preferred service.

2) Go straight to the official website or app

If you get a text or email about your health account, avoid clicking the link. Open the official app from your phone’s home screen. You can also type the website into your browser yourself. This one habit can help you avoid many phishing scams. If a message says your account has a problem, do not use the link in that message. Go directly to the health app, pharmacy app, doctor portal or insurance website.

3) Turn on two-factor authentication

4) Ask for human help when you get stuck

You should not have to guess your way through healthcare. If a portal confuses you, call the provider, pharmacy or insurance plan directly using the number on your card or the official website. Ask them to walk you through the task slowly. You can also ask whether they offer in-person help, phone support or printed instructions.

5) Use telehealth for the right kind of visit

Telehealth can work well for follow-ups, prescription questions, some mental health appointments and simple care needs. For new symptoms, severe pain, breathing trouble or anything that feels urgent, ask whether you need in-person care. When in doubt, call a medical professional.

6) Check app permissions

Health apps may ask for access to your location, camera, microphone, photos or notifications. Some permissions make sense. Others may not be necessary.

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On iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security. Tap the item you want to check, such as Location Services, Camera, Microphone or Photos. Tap the health app you want to review. Choose the safest option that still lets the app work. Apple says this area lets you review which apps can access features such as the camera, microphone and location.

To check notifications on iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > [name of health app] > Notifications. Turn Allow Notifications on or off.

On a Samsung: Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer Go to Settings > Apps > tap the three dots in the upper-right corner > Permission manager. Tap a permission, such as Location, Camera or Microphone. Tap the health app you want to review. Choose Allow only while using the app, Ask every time or Don’t allow, depending on what you want the app to access.

To check notifications on Samsung, go to Settings > Apps > [name of health app] > Notifications. Turn notifications on or off.

7) Keep your phone and health apps updated

Updates can fix bugs and close security holes. They can also make apps work better with your doctor, pharmacy or insurance portal.

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On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Wait for the screen to check for updates. If an update appears, tap Download and Install and follow the instructions.

To update apps on iPhone, open the App Store. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner. Scroll down to App Updates. Tap Update next to the health app or tap Update All.

On a Samsung phone: Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer Go to Settings > Software update > Download and install. If an update appears, tap Install now and follow the instructions.

To update apps on Samsung, open the Google Play Store. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner. Tap Manage apps & device. Tap Updates available. Tap Update next to the health app or tap Update all.

For Samsung apps, open the Galaxy Store app. Tap Menu in the bottom-right corner. Tap Updates. Tap Update all to update everything, or tap the update icon next to one app to update it by itself.

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8) Add strong antivirus software 

Strong antivirus software can help protect you from scam links, fake websites, malicious downloads and other online threats. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. This matters because health accounts can contain personal details, insurance information and prescription data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

9) Watch for scam warning signs

Be careful with messages that create panic. Scammers may say your benefits will stop, your prescription has been canceled, or your account has been locked. Look for spelling errors, strange links, urgent demands and requests for payment. Real health organizations should never pressure you to share passwords or one-time codes. If you are unsure, stop and call the company using a phone number from your card, bill or official website.

How to help a loved one use health apps

Many older adults want support, not someone taking over the whole process. If you help a parent, spouse or friend, sit beside them and let them do the clicking when possible. Explain what each step means. Help them save official websites as bookmarks so they can return safely later. Also, slow down. Healthcare already feels stressful. Technology can make that stress worse when someone feels embarrassed or rushed. A little calm help can build confidence over time.

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 1.7 BILLION PASSWORDS LEAKED ON DARK WEB AND WHY YOURS IS AT RISK

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Telehealth and online prescription systems can simplify care, but many seniors still struggle with passwords, portals and scam risks tied to digital health platforms. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Digital health tools are now part of everyday care. They can save time and make routine tasks easier. Yet they can also leave people behind when the design feels confusing, or the support disappears too quickly. The best health technology should make people feel more in control. That means simple logins, clear instructions and an easy way to reach a real person when something goes wrong. For older adults and the families who love them, digital health literacy has become a practical safety skill. It can affect whether people book appointments, refill medications and feel safe using online care.

When your healthcare moves onto a screen, who should be responsible for making sure you can actually use it? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Technology

Did the Pope use AI to write about the dangers of AI?

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Did the Pope use AI to write about the dangers of AI?

It’s possible that AI was used to write parts of Pope Leo XIV’s latest encyclical about AI’s impact on humanity. An analysis by Linch Zhang posted on the forum LessWrong found certain paragraphs of Magnifica Humanitas to be between 40 percent and 100 percent written by AI, according to the popular AI detector Pangram.

The document includes known traits that appear in AI-generated writing, such as a higher use of the word “genuinely” — which crops up in writing by Anthropic’s Claude — than previous encyclicals, Zhang says. Another person ran the text of the document section by section through Pangram, finding that 62 percent of its first chapter was flagged as AI generated. When The Verge ran roughly 2,000 words of the document through Pangram, it estimated that 46 percent was AI-written.

AI detection isn’t foolproof

Still, other portions register as being written by humans. Zhang notes that Pangram flagged some sections as “essentially 0% AI.” The first 20 paragraphs of the last four encyclicals, when run through Pangram, had a 100 percent confidence of being human written. And a transcript of Pope Leo’s speech, run through Pangram, was also rated as 100 percent human.

AI detection isn’t foolproof. Different AI detectors can display different results, and even when there’s consensus there’s no guarantee they’re correct. But Pangram is generally respected among AI researchers. In March 2025, Pangram said it estimated its false positive rate of reporting human-written work as AI-generated “to be approximately 1 in 10,000.”

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Encyclicals are lengthy letters published by the pope, meant to impart teachings that address important moral and social challenges of the time, according to The New York Times. This encyclical is the pope’s first, with the most recent one written by Pope Francis in October 2024. It’s also the first to focus on AI and its wide-ranging influences, with Pope Leo notably presenting it alongside Christopher Olah, a co-founder of Anthropic.

The Vatican didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.

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