I’m a 15-year-old guy who does pretty well in school, with an average of about 5.3 out of 6, which is like a B+. I know I have the potential to achieve more, but I struggle with a phone addiction that I can’t shake off. My family is aware of it too.
The biggest culprit is YouTube Shorts—I can start watching them without even realizing it, and before I know it, hours have passed. I often tell myself I need to stop, but it usually dawns on me several hours later. On school days, my screen time is around 3-4 hours, and on weekends, it can jump to 6-8 hours—sometimes even 9 or 10. That’s way too much!
I’ve tried using apps to limit my screen time, but I can easily disable them, so I end up giving up quickly. I also can’t just put my phone away completely since I rely on it for a lot of school-related tasks. Plus, I find it hard to stay motivated to study certain subjects like Philosophy and Geography.
If anyone has advice on how to deal with this, I would really appreciate it!
Edit: It’s worth mentioning that my primary caregiver is my grandma, which is why she hasn’t taken my phone away. She doesn’t see it as a big issue since my grades are decent, but we both know I could do better.
It’s great that you’re recognizing the impact your phone has on your studies and wanting to make a change. Here are some suggestions that might help you manage your phone use and boost your motivation:
Set Specific Goals: Create clear academic goals for yourself. Instead of a vague “I want to do better,” try something specific like “I want to raise my grades in Philosophy and Geography to a B+ this semester.” When you have a target, it can help motivate you to study.
Create a Schedule: Designate specific times for schoolwork and phone use. For example, you could set aside an hour for studying before allowing yourself 30 minutes of phone time. Stick to this schedule, and gradually reduce your screen time as you get used to it.
Use Focus Apps Wisely: While some apps can be turned off, there are others that require you to commit more deeply to your goals. Explore apps that lock you out of distracting apps for set times or that reward you for staying off your phone.
Find Study Buddies: Engage a friend or classmate to study with. This can make studying more enjoyable and keep you accountable. You can agree on rules about phone use during study sessions.
Identify Triggers: Pay attention to what circumstances lead you to pick up your phone. Is it boredom, a need to procrastinate, or something else? Once you understand your triggers, you can be proactive in addressing them.
Make Studying Engaging: For subjects you find boring, try to find a more engaging way to learn. Look for videos, podcasts, or interactive resources that can make the material more interesting.
Talk to Your Grandma: Share your concerns with her. Since she is your main caretaker, getting her on board might help. She might even suggest setting boundaries for phone use or creating a study plan together.
Take Breaks: While studying, allow yourself short breaks where you can use your phone, but set a timer to limit them. This way, you’re less likely to lose track of time.
Reflect on Progress: Keep a journal to track your daily study habits and screen time. Reflecting on what works and what doesn’t can help you adjust your approach over time.
Be Kind to Yourself: Change takes time, and it’s okay to have setbacks. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
Finding the right balance between schoolwork and phone use can be challenging, but with some planning and determination, you can definitely improve your situation. Good luck!