The days of burying your face in a book or staring at a bulky computer screen are gone. Now It’s constantly scrolling, quoting the latest TikTok trend, or tapping away at a game while someone tries to get you to engage in the real world. Distraction is the new norm, especially in High school, where too many kids just want an escape, even for a little while.

Smartphones, laptops, I-pads, Television, headphones, or even tablets, are used by students today to be entertained, regardless of location. Modern technology has connected people worldwide and allowed new ideas and trends to spread faster than ever before. However, what started as a way to connect, turned into something complicated, something often dangerous.

Smartphones, ipads, and headphones, follow students everywhere. Entertainment or connection is always in reach, no matter where you are. However, the problem begins when constant stimulation becomes a habit. Over time, it lowers our attention span and chips at our real-life social skills. Fast and repetitive content trains our brains to expect instant gratification, making it harder to focus, think deeply, and engage in meaningful interactions with people around us. When you see groups of students sitting together but staring at separate screens, headphones on and conversations silent, the impact becomes obvious.

One student, a 10th grader that used to have her ears being flooded with music twenty-four-seven, even said, “I didn’t realize how messy my mind was until I finally sat in silence.”

Allowing moments of quiet instead of constantly filling in the silence with overstimulating content can have real benefits. Silence clears mental fog, improves focus, and the ability to face challenges in life. Still, breaking this cycle isn’t easy for a generation raised up on screens and endless access to the internet. Change won’t happen overnight. For the best step is gradual, reduce screen time little by little, and choose to do something more grounding. Giving your brain space to breathe might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s one of the healthiest habits you can build.