Is the One Thing Everyone Uses Destroying You?

Do you constantly hear your parents telling you to get off your phone? You probably think of it as an annoying request from your parents. Phones can be very educational and a good outlet for teens. But in the summer, when we don’t have our time occupied with school, screen times go up. So, here are some ways to stay off your phone and more productive things to do on your phone instead of endlessly scrolling. 

But why shouldn’t I be on my phone?

Phones are a great way to grow your mind, but only to a certain extent. Being on your phone for too long actually causes your brain’s chemistry and hormonal balance to change. Your brain works way harder to perform simple tasks every day. Being on a phone can alter your sleep cycle, making it so that even if you feel awake and ready to learn, your brain isn’t retaining the necessary information.

What should I do instead?

There are so many more phone-efficient and screenless activities to save yourself from a phone addiction. These things improve brain stimulation, help you gain knowledge, and fill up your time! 

Learn a new instrument

Now this may seem like a big task, but learning an instrument is fairly easy as long as you’re committed! Find an instrument, like a guitar or piano, that’s easy to learn, and begin searching for tutorials and lessons. This is an effective way to use your phone that will improve your mental health, and can even improve your memory and make you less likely to develop dementia. 

Read a book

Some people in middle school don’t like reading books, but in reality, books can be a great outlet for kids. There’s a book for everyone, from comedy to romance to sci-fi. You can learn so much about the real world and other people from reading. It’s also a great way to get stress off your mind and step into another world! 

Let’s hear what some students think about spending time away from their phones (The students opted for their names to be anonymous).

What is your average screen time?

“2 hours because of my time limit”

“9 hours”

“6 hours”

What problems do you notice when on your phone for too long?

“I feel more tired and lazy.”

“ I zone out more.”

“I get way more tired and I’m less productive.”

How do you fill your time instead of spending it on a device?

“I  work hard on my homework and practice.”

“I make sure I get all my work done and find fun things to do with my friends.”

“I try to find things to do that are off my phone.”

It’s okay to be on your phone, but it’s important to limit the number of hours you spend staring at the screen. Middle schoolers’ brains are still developing, and you need to give them the space to grow. So, stay off screens this summer break, and make sure to spend time on things that help grow your mind!

“Screen Time and the Brain.” Harvard Medical School, hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/screen-time-brain#:~:text=Many%20teens%20who%20stay%20up,what%20happened%20in%20class%20yesterday.%E2%80%9D. Accessed 1 May 2025. 

“Smartphone Addiction Is Leading to ‘Brain Rot,’ Doctors Say.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, www.cbsnews.com/news/smart-phone-addiction-is-leading-to-brain-rot-doctors-say/. Accessed 1 May 2025. 

Burdette, — Jonathan, and Rachel Nania is an award-winning health editor and writer at AARP.org. “Why You Should Take Music Lessons at 50-Plus.” AARP, www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/brain-health-benefits-of-learning-an-instrument/. Accessed 1 May 2025.