High school students today are more connected than any generation before us–but at what cost? Between TikTok and Instagram scrolling, Snapchat streaks, Netflix binges, and late-night gaming, screens are consuming a huge part of our lives. According to the CDC, one-half of teenagers ages 12–17 had 4 hours or more of daily screen time. In a poll taken by 125 East students 30% of students said they spend at least 4 hours on screens a day. This proves that way too much of our time is spent staring at pixels instead of being invested in real life.
“I use computers 7 hours a day at school, my phone for the other 8 and my T.V. so about 20 hours a day,” junior Kaison Freeman said.
Freeman represents one of many students whose lives are primarily lived on a screen. Everyone has different reasons and justifications for their screen habits, but at the end of the day I think most people would agree that it’s draining. Too much screen time, especially among teenagers, has been linked to anxiety, trouble sleeping, and lower self-esteem.
“I spend the most time on my computer doing homework,” freshman Logan Behrens said.
Behrens spends about 2 hours a day on screens and has realized what many others haven’t, screens quietly steal what matters most–time. Time that could be spent building real friendships, discovering hobbies, going outside, or actually living life instead of watching others live theirs.
We have to be realistic in knowing that in this day in age going cold turkey with screens isn’t really feasible, but setting realistic goals and taking control of our time is a next good step. Here are some ways to unplug without feeling bored or cut off:
Stay Active
Go for a run, try a new sport, or hit the gym. If traditional workouts aren’t for you, try hiking, biking or going for a walk through nature. Exercise is proven to boost your mood and energy, unlike excessive screen time.
Make Something
Creativity doesn’t require Wi-Fi – try drawing, painting, writing, baking, building, or start a new project. Actively doing something with your hands can help you feel more down to earth and connected.
Hang Out–For Real
Texting is the norm, but start intentionally investing in your family and friends face to face. Try going to a cafe and chatting, having a game night, or start a study group.
“Spending time with family and friends feels more important than spending time on my phone,” Behrens said.
Explore a New Hobby
Learn to play an instrument, photography, chess, skateboarding, cooking–anything. When you’re passionate about an activity, you won’t even miss your screen.
Volunteer
Find a local shelter, tutoring program, community garden, or charity event you can regularly serve at. Helping others builds purpose and looks great on college applications too.
Read Something You Actually Enjoy
Not for school–for you. Reading something other than your history textbook, something you can indulge in, lets you escape into worlds more vivid than anything on Netflix.
“To fill my time I usually read and go outside, just doing things that are worth my time,” Behrens said.
Start Small
Change comes gradually so starting with some of these simple habits can lead to big shifts:
No phones at meals
30 minute screen break after school
Keep your phone out of your room at night
Turn off distracting notifications
Set screen time limits on social media
Screen time isn’t evil but too much of it pulls us away from what really matters. Let’s lift our eyes off our screens and reclaim our time because we can experience so much more with a 6-inch screen pulling us down. Our lives are happening right now, don’t scroll past them.
