We are in a time where we rely on technology to shop, communicate, get our information, and get us from point A to point B. Without technology, we would still be communicating by sending letters, and getting information would take forever.

The invention of the text message changed the world. Although it was a slow process, people started using messages more and more and now that is the only way our generation communicates, or at least what most people prefer. In 2018 35% of teenagers preferred texting over the 32% that preferred talking in person (Richter.) Although technology is a very useful tool, and the invention of the internet has saved our butts many times, it can also be very distracting.

Technology is trapping us in an endless cycle of scrolling. All of the social media apps are turning into the same thing. Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook have reels. And YouTube has shorts. TikTok is entirely short videos, but now has a TikTok shop, so I guess that’s convenient when you see something you like and decide you want to buy it.
In a 2021, a study done by Common Sense Media, it was found that teens ages 13-18 spend a maximum of eight hours and 30 minutes on screens per day using social media, gaming, and texting. The average amount of screen time for students ages 8-12 was five hours and 30 minutes per day (Common Sense.)
If you are having trouble turning off your phone to take care of yourself, find yourself reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, or you stay in bed for hours at a time scrolling, and you want to break the cycle, this guide is for you.
First start by locking up that phone, iPad, tablet, Nintendo Switch, laptop, smartwatch, and Oculus away. Then, shower and brush your teeth, we’re trying to get super relaxed here. Now let’s focus on making sure you get all the things you’ve been putting off out of the way.
Look at you just accomplishing things and being productive!

Since your screens are put away, find something productive or fun to do. You could:
– Deep clean your room so you have a relaxing environment to return home to.
– Take a walk (or walk your pets) and breathe in that fresh air.
– Draw or paint something that makes you happy (Pinterest has great ideas too.)
– Make a plan to hang out with your friends or family.
– Learn to bake a cake.
– Make conversations with people you wouldn’t normally talk to.
– Clean out your car.
– Exercise.
– Organize your room/closet.
– Build a Lego set.
– Start a book series.
– Try on prom dresses with your best friend. (highly recommended)
– Go to the park and play on the playground.
– Make a bracelet (personally, this is one of my favorite things to do.)
– Make DIY slime
– Finish that homework you’ve been procrastinating.

Phones aren’t bad things to have in our lives. They can be very helpful and fun to use when you’re bored but they should not be used as a social crutch. Spending all your time on your phone isn’t healthy. Making sure there are clear boundaries set and know when it’s appropriate to turn the screens off. Your mental health can also correlate with how much time you spend on a screen. Make sure you are feeding into positive outlets and not believing everything you see on social media.

Social Media, Social Life Infographic | Common Sense Media