You may have seen the rise of phones impacting teenagers now that most teenagers have phones. They are able to access the internet and make phone calls. Now, it may seem good that teenagers can talk to their parents and contact friends, but there is a massive downside to this situation. The average test results in mathematics and reading in 2020 were 241 and 220. In 2024, it was 234 and 215. That was the largest score drop ever in the US. After 2020, the percentage for teenagers having a phone is 95%! Before it was only 45%. Coincidence, I think not!
Luther Jackson Middle School, for example, uses Yondr pouches. Yondr pouches are pouches that lock when you put your phones inside. According to Yale Medicine, teenagers 12-15 who spend three hours on phones have twice the depression and anxiety. This proves the harms of phones, but what about the positive effects phones can have on teenagers?
The Positive Effects Phones Have on Teenagers
Phones aren’t all bad for teenagers. For example, there could be a situation where the teenager could be potentially harmed. In that scenario, it would be good to own a phone so you could contact your family. Another example is contacting friends. For example, back then you had to meet the friend in person to communicate, and just forget about trying to make plans. On the contrary, owning a phone could help you communicate with your friends and make it way easier while making plans. According to Yale Medicine, a survey was conducted on parents and teenagers’ views on phones. Here they are, according to Yale Medicine it states, “The advisory points to a 2022 survey of American teenagers and their parents by the Pew Research Center, which showed that a majority of respondents felt that social media helps teenagers feel more accepted (58%), like they have people who can support them through tough times (67%), that they have a place to show their creative side (71%), and that they are more connected to what’s going on in their friends’ lives (80%).” This shows that even though the idea of getting a phone for your kid can be scary, there are also the good sides of having it.
The Negative Effects Social Media has on Teenagers
Some of the negative effects of owning a phone could possibly be being addicted, increased anxiety and depression, and lastly less time in the day. Phone addictions are terrible, as they take around 7-9 hours of time off your day, and a recent survey concluded that around 80% of teenagers use a phone daily and 37% of teenagers have a phone addiction. That is a high percentage! Due to these new problems, more problems arise with them such as decreasing test results. For example, the average test results in mathematics and reading in 2020 were 241 and 220. In 2024, it was 234 and 215. This shows that there can also be negative effects a phone has on teenagers.
Conclusion
The conclusion is that it is really based on the scenario you, as a person of society, is in. Are you responsible? Can you make sure to leave time out of your day to work and study? Do you think this is a mandatory purchase you need? Can it wait until you’re more mature? Ask yourself these questions before you get a phone, and trust me, you will be able to control the phone and not let it take over your life.
RELATED STORIES:
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide
https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/edcast/22/10/complex-world-teens-and-screens
https://cedartreecounseling.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-smartphones/
TAKE ACTION:
https://www.smartphonefreechildhoodus.com/organizations
