Since Abington Friends School has recently become a phone free campus, some student connections have dialed down, so I have been thinking a lot about how we can use our free time on campus. In between classes, music block, and lunch, anyone can definitely tell that it’s been a little more quiet because students are still figuring out how to spend their time.
For me, my phone is no longer where I find true connection. I rely on having something that isn’t technology to ground me while trying to fill in free moments; that’s where skateboarding comes in.
Although it may sound like I’ve just started this hobby, skateboarding has always been my go-to hobby whenever I need to relieve stress or focus on something other than schoolwork. When I’m skating, I’m not thinking about assignments or who I need to text back. I’m thinking about how free I feel when the wind covers my body and I’m focusing on the placement of my feet on the board so that I stay balanced. Skating is my way of balancing without my phone.
At AFS, we talk a lot about being present and following our Quaker “SPICES.” I honestly think that skateboarding aligns with our “SPICES” perfectly. The feeling of freedom and a sense of balance reminds me of simplicity. It takes integrity to keep trying, and a community that helps everyone be their best selves. Additionally, I believe that skating fits our school’s “quirkiness” in the best way. We’re already a close community, and making people more aware of skateboarding might add connections within our small community.
Considering all of the already existing clubs and after-school activities, skateboarding could open up different ways for students to build connections with others outside of clubs, sports, and even the classroom setting. I know from personal experience that not everyone feels comfortable going straight into a big group or a loud space, but with skating, natural bonds are created very easily. You do not even have to be the best skater, but working together on something that you and another person like can break the awkwardness.
Skating is a hobby for advice, improvement, and forming connections. Skating is a hobby that invites people in, whether you’re social or not.
Lately, I’ve been trying to imagine what AFS’s campus would feel like if skating became a normal part of our school day. Although I’ve only been at AFS for two years, I know that the school has always tried to encourage students to find a group or a space that best works for them to express themselves, and skateboarding is another opportunity for self-expression. If it is taken seriously, like our art fairs, sports games, and other school events, then skating could really thrive at AFS. So, without our phones during the school day, maybe skateboarding could be the move for you.
Brennan • Feb 19, 2026 at 1:34 pm
I think this article brings up a very interesting take. I think it has been harder to pass the time and make connections since the phone ban. There has been less to bond over so skating could be good. Maybe some more expirenced skaters could teach the new skaters more about skating in a friendly way. I have personally never tried skating, but I have heard good things about the community. I do not know how a competitive skating team would work, but it could be fun. People rolling around on a skate can be cool, as long as nobody is getting hurt!
Brennan • Feb 19, 2026 at 12:08 pm
The opinion shared in this article is very interesting. I think I agree that since the phone ban it has been harder to pass the time when you have nothing else to do. It might help bring kids together, and get some kids to try something new. The kids who are very into skating could also maybe help some new skaters, and that could create new bonds. Personally I have tried skating and it is not for me. From what I have heard the skating community is nice to newer skaters. I think that having a “competetive skating” team might be hard to have. Just as a casual club or after school thing would be very cool. I think people skating around campus could be interesting and fun as long as nobody.
DJ N • Feb 18, 2026 at 7:54 pm
I understand what you’re saying. It can be really hard to make new friends at school, especially when everyone already has their own group and does the same things every day. Sometimes it feels scary to try something new. I think doing an activity like skateboarding could help people talk to you more and make new friends. I’ve never done skateboarding before, but I would like to try. It seems fun. If more things to do were offered at school, more kids might feel included. It would help the students have more activities to do after school. It would also help the parents because they would have no worries on if there child fits in.
Josie Sheek • Feb 3, 2026 at 8:12 pm
I was delighted to read this article that brought a new proposition of entertainment and even transportation to AFS. I do agree for sure that skateboards should be given a chance at this school, and I love how you connected the activity to personal experience and a way to express yourself. I haven’t tried skateboarding yet, but I have a strong passion for rollerskating and would agree that there is nothing better than doing something you love, especially on wheels. If skateboarding were normalized here on campus, I think there would be a steady growing opportunity for student involvement, such as clubs where peers could connect on the hobby. I appreciated reading a new perspective about what could be added to this school, and I’m all in for it!
Cadence Ann Carson • Feb 3, 2026 at 7:23 pm
I agree with the opinion in this article, especially with the newly implemented rule of AFS being a phone free campus, it has pushed me to think how we use our time to connect with each other. For the past few months, certain students still are unknown to do with their free time throughout the day considering we are not eligible to scroll on our phones. Skateboarding seems like a great example of an tech-free activity that can help students engage and possibly learn something new while being in an academic environment. Additionally, I appreciate how the article connects skating to the Quaker S.P.I.C.E.S. Skating really does reflect on simplicity and integrity, it demonstrates you have to keep trying even when it can be frustrating. Furthermore, it can naturally help build community when people are outside and engaging with each other. Overall, I think if skateboarding becomes more visible and supported by AFS, it can help certain students who don’t always feel comfortable in a loud environment help find their place.
Nalani • Feb 3, 2026 at 7:21 pm
I completely see where you’re coming from. Creating genuine connections during free time in the school day can be really challenging, especially when people already stick to their own routines or friend groups. I also wonder if activities like skating could help encourage more community and connection among students. While I’ve personally never been on a skateboard before, I’m definitely open and willing to learn. I think there are many other people who would also be interested in trying new things and picking up new hobbies if given the opportunity. Thank you for sharing this perspective—I definitely agree and appreciate the idea.
Malea • Feb 3, 2026 at 1:43 pm
I agree with Lilahs perspective. A few years ago, I was really invested in skating and I would do it all the time, at the park near my house and I would even take it to Maryland in the summer to go to their awesome skate park there. I think that if there was a skating club here at AFS, students could benefit from it and go to the Elkins park skate park either during the day or after school. It would be a really lowkey and relaxing thing to do and I would completely support if it was instituted here. I want to go to another skate park called Skate the foundry in the city, and try it out for the first time. I want to get back into skating and I hope I get the chance to in the Spring and Summer