Lost in the Post: How teens are all about the post and missing the moments

“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.” —Walter Hagen

Nowadays teens record everything. From videos at festivals to vlogging travel experiences and so much more! Although capturing those special moments helps teens remember them later, it also takes away from being present and in the moment. The fun times experienced during youth should be reminisced about often but how can this happen if teens are spending so much time on their phones?

Some memories are captured just for the sake of posting it online. The Pew Research Center found that 54% of teenagers believe they spend too much time on their phones and more than half saying they sometimes check their phones for notifications as soon as they wake up. Remind your teen to do non-social media-related tasks every once in awhile, like read a book or play a board game.

Be An Example

With the explosion in technology and connectivity, it’s more important than ever for parents to be role models for their child and encourage them to take tech breaks. A 2018 Pew Research Center study concluded that 36% of adults said they spend too much time on their cellular devices and 23% focus too much on social media. Remember, your kids are watching, so be aware of how much time you are spending online.

Take a Time Out

Schedule daily social media breaks for your child. It could be as little as 15 minutes, but model the importance of taking a break from social media: go to the park, jog, do yoga, find a new hobby, or any other activity to help clear your child’s mind. There will likely be resistance, and you may even have to cut their fun off in order for them to unplug. Encourage face-to-face interaction with others, as well. Studies show that more than 90% of human communication involves body language which allows people to see and understand other people’s feelings and builds trust.

Cut down on the number of apps on your device

One way to minimize time on your phone is to limit the number of apps you have. Include necessary ones for things like health or books, but cut down on those that take up your time and lessen your productivity, such as games and other social media platforms.

Sources

https://www.pewinternet.org/2018/08/22/how-teens-and-parents-navigate-screen-time-and-device-distractions/

https://www.indy100.com/article/ways-you-can-curb-your-social-media-cravings-facebook-viral-8252186

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