St. Robert CHS Student News
Sophie Erenberg (11) | STAFF REPORTER
In every stage of life, there are varying degrees of generational gaps. Though they are commonly regarded as detrimental to families and society, many note that they may turn out to be beneficial when gaps are bridged. But to what extent are generation gaps harmful or valuable to society given their positive and negative implications?
Sara Khan (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Mankind has always had a tendency of idolizing successful people such as warriors, scientists, philosophers, presidents, and more. It helps give us a goal to work towards, and an idea of what we want to become. These figures are often honoured with memorials, like statues, plaques, and sometimes having something named after them, like a building. The problem arises when such prominent people make controversial decisions later in life, or when times change and their previous decisions are looked down upon. In those situations it becomes unclear what to do with their memorials. Should they be left up to honour their previous accomplishments? Or should they be taken down to discourage the idol’s misdeeds and show support towards the offended group of people?
Aase Ade-Akhani (9) |STAFF REPORTER
Since the dawn of the internet and social media as a platform, we as humans have faced the very difficult and complicated question of censorship, and what should and shouldn’t be allowed on the internet. This has lead to many people questioning how much right a company has to limit individual opinions -no matter how harmful- on the internet, and how much responsibility falls on the individual to regulate themselves and their opinions.
Sophie Erenberg (11) | STAFF REPORTER
A zoo is a place where animals in captivity are displayed to the public for the purpose of research, education, and recreation. While early zoological gardens focused on showcasing as many unique species as possible — often in restrictive and stressful living conditions — modern zoos are presumed to prioritize scientific research and wildlife conservation by breeding endangered species and recreating natural habitats. Though some argue that zoos and aquariums are beneficial for species at risk and provide learning opportunities for visitors, many animal rights advocates believe that the costs of holding wild animals captive outweighs the advantages.
Sissi Li (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Imagine a world where who you are in real life is exactly who you are online. Nothing is hidden on any accounts. Name, affiliations, and locations are open for all eyes to see. That world would be a nightmare. It would be much more comforting to know that you could choose who you want to be online and what data would be disclosed. People should be allowed to obscure their identities online because it gives them freedom of speech, keeps them safe, and maintains their privacy.
Sara Khan (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Technology has come a long way in these past years, so much to the point that people are wondering if we could simply entrust responsibilities to computers so that people would not have to perform them. Recently, there has been debate over whether or not people should have to learn to solve complex mathematical problems if computers can just find the answer instantaneously. The problems in question are often found to be frustrating, and are taught in the later years of high school.
Sophie Erenberg (11) | STAFF REPORTER
Many of the plants we consume today are the product of genetic changes that would never occur in nature. In recent years, however, the opposing views on the use of genetically modified crops and organisms have provoked significant controversies surrounding the issue. In today’s society, do the economic benefits of GMOs outweigh the environmental setbacks associated with them?
Sara Khan (9) | STAFF REPORTER
The justice system has always been a controversial subject, now more than ever. While many debate the integrity of the system that puts people in jail, many others debate how the criminals should be dealt with after their trials. Currently, ex-convicts aren’t permitted to do many things after release, and must state that they have been to prison when applying to jobs. This makes many aspects of life much more difficult, and people are now questioning if this is the way to go about it. Should ex-cons be punished for their actions, or be given a second chance to live normally in society? Or is the right answer a mix of both?
Zoe Chakraborty (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Most fictional works have their necessary villains; for example, the evil genius Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes or the corruptness of society that is featured in the Squid Game. It’s what gives these stories their special ingredient that lights a spark in the arc, the characters, and the thoughts of the readers. But should there be restrictions on the portrayal of immorality in creative works?
Sissi Li (9) | STAFF REPORTER
When parents think about their children’s play, the first thing that pops into mind is their safety. If they are going on a bike ride, they must need helmets and be in sight at all times. If they are playing tag on the playground, they are warned not to climb up too high or run too fast. Yet, little do they know that allowing limited amounts of risk in activities is actually beneficial to children’s development in the long run, even if it may give parents a scare in the present. Risky play should be involved in children’s development because it helps them become independent, acquire important life skills, and develop good characters.