"The Impact of Smartphones on Teenagers: Are They Really Helping? "

As a language teacher I experience weekly problems with the use of phones inside and outside the classroom. In most schools, students are not allowed to use their phones but when I have asked my students about their screen time I am always shocked about the amount of time spent on them. When are my students using their phones? Is it in the night? After school? Quickly between lessons? When I set homework as a teacher I need to constantly think about how to set this language homework as now translation on phones is quicker than ever and AI becoming more and more present. There are of course huge benefits to technology and if they are challenged in the right way. Duolingo, languages online, BBC Bitesize, thisislanguage and lyrics training are just a few websites which are extremely beneficial for language learning and can help students understand all four skills. However, there are risks with giving students phones at a young age and social media can be both addictive and damaging for a young person's wellbeing. At Reviseaway we are keen there is a balance. Students should be allowed to take pictures of the beautiful locations we visit and treasure the memories. There should also be a time when the phones can be put in a box though as the benefits of stepping away are also monumental. I feel very lucky to have had a phone-free childhood where I could play with my siblings, cousins and friends and even as a teenager, my phone had very basic features. The importance of both mental and physical health is as important as ever and now is the time to check in and ask ourselves and the young people around us how much screen time is really necessary?