Recent stories
The High School Student News Site of The American School in London

The Standard
The High School Student News Site of The American School in London

The Standard
The High School Student News Site of The American School in London

The Standard

Opinions

Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook are the primary causes of the increase in fast fashion. According to the United Nations, the fashion industry produces over 10% of global carbon emissions, making it a significant contributor to the climate change crisis.

Social media trends exacerbate consequences of fast fashion

Ayla Rafiq, Reporter • December 13, 2023

In the summer of 2019, I solely wore baggy t-shirts and short denim shorts, fitting into the trends that were popular on TikTok. In 2020, I wore patchwork jeans, then biker shorts in 2021, followed by...

The restaurant industry is one of the most significant contributors to food waste in the U.K. Restaurants have thrown away tons of edible foods, negatively impacting our environment and society.

Restaurant industry must minimize food waste

Ailish Herrmann, Media Team • December 6, 2023

At the end of my meal at my local pizza restaurant, I got up from my chair and watched as the kitchen door revealed a worker throwing away cartons of milk, slightly bruised fruits, and loaves of bread....

All restaurants with over 250 employees must present menus to customers with numbers displayed by items. The government made the law to promote healthier eating habits, however, a single number cannot tell the real story of what foods contain.

UK Calorie Law remains counterproductive, ineffective

Meher Sareen, Reporter • December 4, 2023

As my eyes darted around the restaurant, I noticed pointing fingers and calculators open on the table. When asked about what was going on, my friends explained they were calculating the best way to consume...

The governments backpedal on several climate policies has prompted alarm amongst scientists and climate groups. The plans put the U.K. at risk of missing key climate targets over the next few decades.

UK government’s backpedal in climate policy threatens long-term goals

Biraj Khadka, Reporter • November 28, 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a number of U.K. climate goals, specifically three major ones to be dialed down Sept. 20. Three major policies that have been reversed are new initiatives to push back...

The longstanding tradition of the Junior Lock-In has been retired and replaced with the Junior Games. While the change is unfortunate, our StuCo has shown creativity in creating an enjoyable alternative.

‘Junior Games’ brings excitement despite ‘Junior Lock-in’ discontinuation

Zoe Karibian, Media Team • November 14, 2023

For many years, the Junior Lock-In has been an anticipated event at our school, serving as an annual bonding experience for junior students. However, Director of Student Life Royce Wallace announced the...

Social media is overcome with trends promoting the concept of “self-care”. However, some think that the online self-care space has shifted towards self-centeredness.

Point-Counterpoint: Is self-care content beneficial?

Audrey Cushman and Yasmine Rivera • November 6, 2023

A wave of trends branded as new forms of “self-care” have swept the internet in recent years. This social media trend has manifested in TikToks featuring skin care products, bloggers encouraging their...

The British government is depriving adolescents of their right to vote. The future generation has not been given a say in the laws that will affect them, and this has impacted their day to day lives.

UK voting age should be lowered to 16

Ailish Herrmann, Media Team • October 23, 2023
The British government is depriving adolescents of their right to vote. The future generation has not been given a say in the laws that will affect them, and this has impacted their day to day lives.
The felling of the Sycamore Gap tree Sept. 27 in Northumberland National Park demonstrates society’s ongoing disrespect for its environment. Roughly 200 years old, the tree was a historical landmark in the U.K.

Environment, Explained: Felling of Sycamore Gap tree highlights eco-violence, disregard for nature

Eden Leavey, Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Print • October 11, 2023
The felling of the Sycamore Gap tree Sept. 27 in Northumberland National Park demonstrates society’s ongoing disrespect for its environment. Roughly 200 years old, the tree was a historical landmark in the U.K.
Skincare content circulates all over social media, exposing young consumers to the industry. However, many anti-aging products were not formulated with young consumers in mind.

Anti-aging content online promotes damaging standards, harms young consumers

Yasmine Rivera, Reporter • October 4, 2023

As I scrolled through my TikTok For You page this summer, I found myself horrified by the extreme measures some influencers were taking in order to avoid aging. I watched, astounded, as creators described...

Schoolwork is the main stress factor for students, according to the NHS. Students are academically pressured to do well both by their peers and their parents.

Academic competition triggers stress, not success

Talya Berner, Reporter • September 27, 2023

I just got the results from a math test. Everyone floods around me asking, “How did it go?” or “What did you get?” My friends make remarks like, “That was an easy test,” and I listen as they...

In all trials with an absent defendant, such as Lucy Letbys, the speakers must address the perpetrator even in their absence. However, Letby’s absence weakened the impact of the sentencing on the convict and the victims.

Lucy Letby sentencing highlights flaws in UK justice system

Sophia Hsu, Reporter • September 20, 2023

Now known as one of the U.K.'s most prolific child murderers, nurse Lucy Letby was sentenced to life in prison Aug. 21, according to The Guardian. Following her murder of several infants, Lucy Letby’s...

AP Psychology is the sixth most popular AP course according to the American Psychology Association. Nonetheless, Florida’s Department of Education announced Aug. 3 that the course would be discontinued because the teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity is illegal under HB 1557.

Florida ban on AP Psychology threatens academic freedom of students

Annika Skorski and Tara Behbehani • September 12, 2023

As the course selection deadline swiftly approached last spring, we meticulously looked through classes and Advanced Placement courses to craft our junior year schedule. We were both interested in social...

Load More Stories

The Standard

The High School Student News Site of The American School in London
The Standard • © 2024 • FLEX Pro WordPress Theme by SNO • Log in