Using a smartphone is second nature to today’s teens. It has gone beyond a tool to communicate and become a virtual extension of oneself. But at what cost?

According to Pew Research Center, 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and 45% of them feel that they're addicted to it. That's almost half! 

While there are some benefits to using a smartphone, there are also some serious downsides because it can get addicting. Let's take a look at some of the ways phone addiction can be harmful to teenagers. 

The Negative Effects of Smartphone Use on Teenagers

1. More prone to stress, anxiety, and depression - According to research, smartphone use is linked to an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that smartphones allow teens to be in constant contact with others, which can be distracting and overwhelming.

2. Obesity - A study published at BMC Public Health showed that increased smartphone use is associated with an increase in obesity among teenagers. Not only are they using their phones more often, but it also results in poor eating habits and less time participating in physical activities.

3. Sleep interruption and disruption - Smartphones are often the source of unhealthy sleeping habits, according to a study published in PubMed Central. Lack of sleep can lead to problems with concentration and productivity during the day.

4. Vision problems - According to a study conducted by a group of researchers, smartphone use is associated with ocular problem symptoms, including myopia, asthenopia, and ocular surface disease.

How to Get Your Teens to Put Down Their Phone

Of course, there are ways to get your teens to put down their smartphones without resorting to extraordinary measures. Here are some tips:

1. Set a good example - It’s important that you set an example for your kids and show them that using a smartphone isn’t always necessary. If they see you using your phone sparingly, they’re more likely to follow suit.

2. Explain the dangers of phone addiction - One of the best ways to get your teens to put down their phones is to explain the dangers of smartphone addiction. This will help them understand why it’s important to use their phones in moderation.

3. Help them find other ways to connect with people - We are social animals, and teens are no exception. They need to connect with others in order to feel fulfilled. Help them find other ways to connect, such as by participating in extracurricular activities or joining a club.

4. Set limits on phone usage -  Set limits on how much time your teenagers can spend on their phones each day. This will help them to get rid of the habit of checking their phones constantly and allow them to focus on more productive activities.

5. Get them involved in other activities - Get your teenagers involved in other activities to help them break the habit of spending too much time on their smartphones. This can include things like going to the movies, playing sports, or having dinner with friends.

How GetOutPass Can Help

The options are limitless when it comes to fun events and activities for teens, which is why our nationwide network of attractions and venues is the perfect solution to your teenager's addiction to smartphones. 

GetOutPass is your ultimate fun-pass. We've teamed up with a variety of venues and destinations across the country, allowing your teen to enjoy the very best activities and venues at exclusive discounted rates. 

From golf and pottery classes to mini golf and laser tag, GetOutPass has everything you need to get your teen to unplug and enjoy themselves. Here are some reasons ways how GetOutPass can help:

1. Creates bonds between parents and teens - Nothing can be more helpful than spending quality time with your kids, and GetOutPass makes it easy for you to do just that. One of the best ways to get teens to put down their phones is to have a positive relationship with them. GetOutPass gives parents and teens the opportunity to connect in a fun and recreational way, which can be a great way to build a strong connection.

2. Makes them physically active - With GetOutPass, your teen can do different physical activities such as jumping in trampoline parks, playing in bowling alleys, and even do some training in martial arts! Teens are notorious for being inactive when they're using their phones, but that doesn't have to be the case. With so many opportunities to get active through GetOutPass, your teen will be more likely to stay active and healthy.

3. Gets them out of the house - Smartphone use leads to too much time spent indoors. With so many activities and events available through GetOutPass, getting your teen out and about will help to break the cycle of screen addiction. This can be a great way to connect with other teens and make new friends. 

4. Encourages social interaction - Teens spend a lot of time alone when they use their phones, which can lead to anxiety and depression. GetOutPass gives teens the opportunity to interact with others in a fun and safe environment. This can help reduce anxiety and depression and promote socialization and development. GetOutPass provides an opportunity for teens to meet new people and have fun together.

5. Promotes healthy living habits - When people use a smartphone, they tend to be stationary and not be aware of their posture and surroundings -- it can even make them forget about eating in time! GetOutPass minimizes these things by making people active and moving, thus encouraging healthy living habits.

Conclusion

We all know how important it is to get your teenagers away from their smartphones. It can be addicting and detrimental to your teen's health and well-being.

Luckily, there are many ways to get your teenager to stop using their smartphones. Use your GetOutPass to build connections with your teens and get them involved in physical activities and events. For sure, it will help break the cycle of your teen's smartphone addiction and get them to choose a more healthy lifestyle.