In 2026, teenagers are averaging around seven hours of screen time. Professionals say that it is recommended to have two hours of screen time a day. Having too much screen time can alter the way that your brain and body function, which can greatly affect children that do not have restrictions.
Freshman Ryan Goldfarb went to a hockey camp where he was not allowed to have his phone. “I was more energetic and felt less tired,” he explained. Goldfarb felt that these camps influenced him positively and he even went on to say that it was the best experience he had ever had. “Being at this camp gave me a opportunity to talk with coaches and really work on my skill, which greatly helped me on the ice,” Goldfarb stated.
Taking a break from screens gives the brain more time to process information and feel more calm. It is said that if people limit their screen time, they could feel more productive because they will not need their phone with them wherever they go. Energy levels can also increase because you will recover from constant stimulation.
When off phones, students have more time to be active. At the Young Life camp, junior Kristen Burns, explained, “You actually have to socialize the whole time.” When off phones, people can make more connections and be more active. People will not scroll on their phone and waste their time. Instead, people can have more fun, be active, and make more connections.
Being off phone brings a lot of positives, but it also has some negatives. Freshman Juliette Mayo went to a Girl Scout camp and was without her phone for 12 days. Mayo said that one pro is feeling more positive. “I feel like I am more positive because I am not stuck thinking about everything going on.” Mayo shared. When someone is not constantly on their phone, they can be present in the moment. However, Mayo shared that she was very homesick while at camp. She said, “By the end of the camp, I was homesick and missing my family.”
While at camp, Burns also expressed frustration over not having her phone. She was away during her birthday and missed people reaching out to celebrate. “I felt really bad because i knew other people were texting me and I wasn’t responding.”
Being off your phone can help in many ways, such as being active, making more connections with people, having healthier relationships, and being more productive. Taking a break from screens helps mentally and physically. By giving the brain a break, teens will have more time to do activities that are more memorable then any video on their phones. Burns added, ”Nobody is sitting in their room scrolling, and you get to go make memories.”