Teenagers are too disconnected from real life. They spend 7-8 hours a day (everyday), on digital devices. This behavior leads to many negative consequences including mental health issues, isolation…etc. If they were to spend half of that time without devices, their lives would fill up with opportunities, friendships, and joy.
I believe kids should be outside, breathing in fresh air and doing things like playing sports, exploring nature, riding bikes, going to parks, having fun with friends and building friendships that will last a lifetime. Instead, they are staring at a monitor all day / night. After years of doing this, teenagers find themselves extremely depressed and alone. They have accomplished little and are filled with self-doubt.
I am so grateful that my dad told me I needed to "do something" productive the summer I graduated from middle school. That summer changed my perspective on life. Today, I look forward to each day as an opportunity to make new connections, nurture existing friendships and set/achieve new goals…all while having fun. In short, I am loving life!
If you are a parent of a teenager or know one who spends too much time on digital devices, tell them to put it down, then help them “do something” productive. It might just give them a new perspective on life.
Attached is a video of some projects I did (including a 7-foot flag for Sarasota Memorial Hospital during Covid-19) when I was a teenager. Hopefully, it can serve as an inspiration for you.
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