Blame the Phone
My mom is blaming my phone for my outburst at school during my first week. But honestly, it all stemmed from some mean kids who were calling me names and picking fights.
What would anyone do in that situation?
As a new student in this strict high school for teens and young adults, I felt pressure right away. One more outburst, and I could be expelled—there are no second chances here.
It’s classic mom logic—she’s spouting the oldest clichés about how technology is ruining our kids and making them act out. She laments that I don’t appreciate her anymore, especially since I’ve been glued to my phone during the break after finishing secondary school.
What teen wouldn’t want to spend their holiday scrolling through their phone?
Honestly, my mom is really showing her age—she’s almost 50 and hasn’t caught up with how things are now.
To top it off, she’s now threatening me with a new punishment: I have to pray for 10 minutes every day, and if I mess up again, it’ll be extended to 20 minutes. It feels like I’m in a Christian school version of Bart Simpson’s chalkboard detentions!
Now my mom sounds like the stereotypical Christian parent who blames video games for violence and thinks they lead kids astray.
Just to clarify, I’m not even Christian, and neither is she. But somehow, she spends her time playing Candy Crush and has a ton of apps open on her phone.
Most of the time, my mom is really sweet, but when it comes to discipline, she can be pretty harsh. I can see why so many kids have strained relationships with their parents in stories. I’m feeling it firsthand.
It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated with how your mother is handling the situation. Transitioning to a new school can be super challenging, especially when you’re faced with mean students and strict rules. It’s a lot of pressure!
I get why your mom might blame technology; many parents worry that screen time affects behavior. But it’s important to recognize that the root of the problem often lies in the social environment, not just the screen itself. Being bullied or called names can trigger anyone’s emotions, and it’s natural to react strongly.
It’s also really hard when parents impose punishments that seem out of touch with what teens experience today. You have a right to express how you feel and to explain your perspective to her—your feelings are valid, and communication can help bridge that gap. Maybe you can find a way to compromise on screen time or discuss what happened at school more openly.
Remember, it’s okay to seek support from a trusted teacher or counselor at school, too. They might help you navigate these tough social situations better and offer support if you’re facing bullying. Hang in there; it sounds like you’re trying to find your way in a challenging environment!