Impacts of mobile phones on teenagers

I was in a particular church for Sunday service and noticed all the teenagers in the service was basically on their phone, then i thought to myself. Mobile phones primarily serve as vital tools for communication. They allow teenagers to stay connected with family, friends, and peers through calls, texts, and social media platforms especially after their first six years journey in Secondary school.

(Image from me)

All of a sudden i remembered my cousin who was also so addicted to his phone. Tolu was a lively 15-year-old boy who loved staying connected with her friends. Sometimes when his out of data,he would beg and do anything you ask him to do,just so you can get a data plan for him. His smartphone was always within reach whether he was at church, at home, or even during family dinners. He spent hours scrolling through social media, chatting in group texts, and watching videos late into the night. His parents noticed that Tolu's once bright and energetic personality was slowly changing.

At first, his mother thought it was just typical teenage moodiness. But soon, Tolu began missing deadlines for school assignments, and his grades started slipping. He was often tired during the day, struggling to stay awake in class. His father who was my uncle also noticed that he rarely joined family activities anymore, preferring to stay in his room glued to his phone.

One evening, Tolu's mother tried to talk to him. “Tolu, I’m worried about you. You seem so tired and distracted lately,you school performance as really dropt. Is everything okay?” Tolu shrugged and said, “I’m fine, Mom. Just busy with school and friends.”

But the signs were clear. Tolu’s sleep schedule was disrupted because he stayed up late texting and browsing his phone. The blue light from the screen made it hard for him to fall asleep, and the constant notifications kept pulling his attention away from homework and family time.

Determined to help, Tolu’s parents decided to set some boundaries. They agreed on a “phone curfew” no phones after 9 PM and encouraged Tolu to put his phone away during meals and study time. At first, He resisted, feeling frustrated and disconnected. But gradually, he noticed positive changes. He slept better, felt more focused in school, and even enjoyed conversations with his family again.

One weekend, Tolu and her parents went for a hike without any phones. For the first time in a long while, Tolu felt truly present and relaxed. He realized that while his phone was a great tool for staying connected, it shouldn’t control his life.

This experience was a wake-up call for Tolu and his family. It showed how excessive phone use can affect a teenager’s health, relationships, and responsibilities and how setting limits can restore balance and well-being.