Unplug for Success: Why students must break-free from phone addiction

In an increasingly digital world, it is becoming common for students to develop mobile addiction. This constant allure of social media, games, and instant gratification can hinder the ability to focus, engage with their real surroundings, and limit their academic and personal growth. However, there is hope. By implementing effective strategies and receiving support from parents and educators, students can break free from their over-dependence on technology.

Read on to know more…

Raise Awareness:

The first step in combating phone addiction is raising awareness among students about the negative impact its use can have on their lives. Educators can organise workshops or presentations to highlight the importance of limiting screen time, discussing the potential consequences on mental health, social interactions, and academic performance. By understanding the detrimental effects of phone addiction, young minds are more likely to be motivated to make a change.

Set a Healthy Example:

Parents and educators must lead by example when it comes to phone usage. By practicing healthy habits themselves, they can demonstrate the importance of finding balance between the virtual and real world. Adults can allocate specific times for phone usage and establish phone-free zones during family meals, study time, or recreational activities, highlighting the value of human connection and quality time spent together.

Encourage Outdoor Activities:

An effective way to wean students off their phones is by encouraging outdoor activities. Schools can organise sports events, nature trips, or other physical activities that promote engagement with the environment and social interaction. Outdoor experiences help develop skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and the world beyond screens.

Implement Device-Free Time:

Parents and educators can establish designated device-free time periods, both at school and home. This can include study hours, mealtimes, or even an entire evening dedicated to phone-free activities. These breaks from digital devices allow youngsters to focus on their studies, engage in meaningful conversations, pursue hobbies, and connect with their families. Encourage them to use this time for reading, creative pursuits, or engaging in face-to-face interactions.

Teach Digital Literacy:

To help students navigate the digital landscape responsibly, it is crucial to incorporate digital literacy into the curriculum. By teaching them about the potential dangers of excessive phone use, cyberbullying, misinformation, and the importance of online privacy, they can develop critical thinking skills and make informed decisions about their online behaviour. Digital literacy empowers students to become responsible digital citizens.

Provide Alternatives:

Offering alternative activities can redirect students’ attention away from their phones. To further the same, extracurricular clubs, artistic workshops, or hands-on projects that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving must be set up in educational institutes. Additionally, parents can provide access to books, board games, and other forms of entertainment that do not involve screens. By providing engaging alternatives, students can find enjoyment in offline activities.

According to Ms Prashansa Hans, PGT Psychology and School Counsellor at Apeejay School, Faridabad Sector 15 “Excessive use of phones can affect life in a big way. It may lead to daily setbacks ranging from physical symptoms like headache, eyesight change to cognitive changes like shift in focus, irrational thoughts and so on. Therefore, it is important for students to assess their phone usage time.” Besides, by spending multiple hours on the phone, students often begin to compare themselves with others which can hinder their personality development too, opines the expert.

While technology undoubtedly plays a significant role in our lives, it is crucial for all to maintain a healthy balance and avoid excessive phone use. As per Ms Bhavya Arora, School Counsellor and Psychology Facilitator (Diploma Programme) at Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, “The biggest conflict is one needs technology for everything. Knowledge and resources are easily available online and students need to access it. In light of this, parents and educators must focus on supervision, not monitoring. In addition, they can establish a healthy communication channel with children. Parents can even introduce some norms and regulations at home like phone-free zones to boost quality time spent together.”

Advising students the expert says, “Give your mind the space to breathe and focus. Phone addiction is also related to low attention span, lack of concentration and inability to learn and memorise.” Suggesting parents to follow the right practice, she emphasises, “Trust your children and allow them the time to explore. However, do not invade their privacy.”   

Truly, constant consumption of information is making lives difficult for one and all. Lack of sleep, social isolation, loss of confidence and lack of emotional intelligence are major consequences of being overly attached to one’s phone.

“Life is not meant to be this way. It is the basic need of human beings to feel wanted and connected. If that reduces, the overall sense of well-being and life satisfaction reduces,” says Ms Arora. Together we can raise awareness about the negative consequences of phone addiction and provide guidance and support to students.

Remember, having dialogue about the benefits of being without a phone can go a long way. By implementing the suggested strategies and fostering an environment that encourages real-world engagement, young learners can break free from their phone addiction.

Let us empower this generation to use technology wisely and foster a harmonious relationship with the world around them.