Phones. Over the past years, technology has been dominating the world. Tablets, computers, phones. Especially the last one. It’s no big secret that teens have a complex relationship with their devices. And with the pandemic, matters aren’t getting better. They are expected to use technology both in and out of the classroom to keep up to date with their classes and maintain their grade. As well as this generation’s massive usage of various apps and social media platforms, to manage their social lives. Many teenagers use phones to stay organized on top of their many, many activities.
Do parents have to worry?
Not to mention, teens face intense levels of pressure. Some use their phones to keep up with their busy lives, but sometimes their phone use is tied to recreational activity and can help them relieve stress. But technology does have its fair share of advantages. So, the question lies. Do parents have to worry? As it turns out, parents have reason to worry. Results out of a 2016 common sense media report found that 50% of teens “feel addicted” to mobile devices, while 59% of parents surveyed believe that kids are addicted to their devices. This survey also showed that 72% of teens and 48% of parents feel the need to immediately respond to text, social- networking messages, and other notifications, 69% of parents and 78% of teens check their devices at least hourly.
A 2018 Pew Research showed that 45% of teens said that they use the internet “almost constantly” and another 44% said they go online several times a day. According to this report 50 % of teenage girls are “near constant” online users, compared to a 39% of teenage boys. 95% percent of teens have access to a smartphone.
Children look up to their parents
When parents themselves, let alone teens, are admitting their addiction to their phone, what really is left to say? Society has become so dependent on their phones and rely on their phones so much to accomplish even the simplest of tasks. This is truly worrying. If something were to happen not just to our phones but all technology, what would happen to us human Society would crash and burn and would most definitely be overcome by a state of panic. It is truly remarkable how something that has been barely around for half a century has taken over almost everybody’s lives.
Before it’s too late
So, for the sake of yours and everyone’s good, put the phone down and maybe take a walk outside. Realize the beauty of the real world and clear your regrets before it’s too late. Otherwise, my prediction might just become your reality.
Written by an 11 year old Digital Native — Seher Verma
