I’m doing okay in school, but I struggle with a phone addiction. I’m 15, a guy, and my grades are decent—around 5.3/6, or about a B+. Still, I know I could achieve more, but my phone is always a distraction. My family is aware of this issue too.
YouTube Shorts are my biggest downfall; I often lose track of time while watching them. I’ll suddenly realize hours have passed without even noticing it happening. On school days, I usually rack up about 3-4 hours of screen time, and on weekends, it can go up to 6-8 hours, sometimes even 9 or 10. That seems excessive. I’ve tried using apps to limit my screen time, but I can easily disable them, and I end up abandoning them.
I need my phone for school-related tasks, so it’s tough to just set it aside. Plus, I find it hard to motivate myself to study certain subjects, like Philosophy or Geography.
If anyone has suggestions on how to manage this situation better, I would really appreciate your input!
P.S. Just to clarify, my main caretaker is my grandma. That’s why she hasn’t taken my phone away; she doesn’t see it as a major issue since my grades aren’t bad enough to warrant that kind of punishment. However, we both feel I could do much better.
It’s great that you’re recognizing the impact your phone has on your school performance! Here are some suggestions that might help you manage your phone use while still being able to use it for school:
Set Goals: Identify specific academic goals you want to achieve. For example, aim for an A in a particular subject or improving your overall GPA. Having clear goals can help you stay focused.
Create a Schedule: Plan your day ahead. Allocate specific times for studying, assignments, and phone use. For example, set a timer for 25 minutes of focused studying with 5-minute breaks in between, and then reward yourself with some phone time after reaching those goals.
Utilize Features on Your Phone: While you’ve tried limiting apps before, try using your phone’s built-in features that limit screen time more effectively. For example, set app limits directly in your phone settings where you can’t easily disable them.
Find Alternatives to YouTube Shorts: If you’re often drawn to short videos, try replacing that habit with something else you might enjoy—like podcasts, audiobooks, or educational videos that relate to your studies.
Designate Phone-Free Times/Spaces: Create specific times or areas in your home where phone use isn’t allowed (e.g., at the dinner table or during study sessions). This helps create an environment where you can focus better.
Talk to Your Grandma: Have an honest conversation with your grandma about how you’re feeling regarding your grades and phone use. Maybe she can help set some boundaries, like limits on phone use during study hours.
Stay Engaged in Subjects: Try to find aspects of subjects you don’t like that interest you. For example, linking Philosophy to real-world issues or Geography to travel and cultures might spark your interest.
Reward Yourself: Set up a reward system for completing tasks or reaching study goals. This could be extra phone time or something else you enjoy.
Find a Study Buddy: Team up with a friend who has similar goals. Studying together can help keep each other accountable and make learning more enjoyable.
Reflect on Your Usage: Keep a journal of your phone use and how it makes you feel. Sometimes just acknowledging how it affects your time and mood can motivate you to change.
Change is hard, but small steps can lead to big improvements over time. You’ve got this!