Imagine waking up and reaching for a phone before even saying good morning. For many teens, this is the new normal. Phones can be a lifeline, but hours spent scrolling can also lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and even depression. Social media often leaves teenagers comparing themselves to others, and disturbing content can linger long after the device is turned off.
Teen phone use grew significantly between 2003 and 2004. Around the world, close to 3 billion teens use phones. According to an article by Lil Cronin, Milton Times, July 2025, “Phones make our lives easier in so many ways. However, too much dependency makes us “Mobile Addictive”. Mobile addiction not only has physical effects, but there are psychological and academic impacts as well.” Stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and depression have all been related to excessive mobile phone use. “I’ve noticed late at night after I’m done scrolling I struggle going to sleep,” says Compass Prep student Brielle Kamarunas.
Phones can be incredibly time-consuming. In fact, roughly 41% of teenagers in the U.S. spend up to 8 hours on their phones daily. During COVID-19, devices became a more significant part of daily life than ever. The average teen spends 46% of their life on a phone, leaving about 54% for school, college, church, activities, sports, and, most importantly, God.
Sadly, teenagers are likely to see something inappropriate, disturbing, or depressing on their phones, especially if they use social media. Retired doctor Jim Foglesong states, “They get on YouTube and all these other areas that make them not think for themselves.”
So far, phones sound particularly bad for a teenager. However, that’s not necessarily true. In contrast, there are numerous benefits to teens having phones. Phones can help teens stay connected and stay safe. Parents can sleep at night knowing their kids can reach them. Compass Prep student Brielle Kamarunas states, “I think teens should have phones because they can text with their friends and contact 911 in case of emergency.”
According to Richard Keeser, Cedar Tree Counseling, May 2024: The other main benefits of phone use are their ability to help teens stay organized and on top of their various tasks and chores they must do in life. Phones can relieve them of some of the stress of trying to remember all of their duties by helping them to set reminders and sort information that they need to succeed. This helps take away some of the mental burdens that can come with the business of life.
Phones can also be used as tracking devices, so that parents have an idea of where their kids are. This can help prevent the stress of not knowing a teenager’s location. Lucas Collazo, a student at Ballantyne Ridge High School, states, “I have an app on my phone that tracks where I am and how fast I’m driving.” Teenagers should also be able to enjoy themselves, even if it’s on a phone. Phones allow teens to listen to music, play games, learn new languages, and help them find job opportunities.
Keeping teens safe online is very important. Thankfully, there are apps that can help with that. Examples include Qustodio Kids, Bark, and Gabb. Parental controls should combine smart content monitoring, screen-time management, content filtering, and location tracking while respecting the teenager’s growing independence.
For many teenagers, waking up and immediately going to their phones before even getting out of bed has become the new normal. Many teens miss out on what life has to offer because their noses are stuck in their phones. However, adolescent phone use isn’t necessarily bad; it depends on how teens use them. Phones can be both helpful and harmful, so the real issue is finding a healthy balance between technology and enjoying life to the fullest.
Written by Rylie Foglesong
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