Cell Phone Problems?

We jokingly talk about students being addicted to their smartphones, but in reality, it is no laughing matter. Cell phone addiction is real and can be destructive to the lives of those who truly cannot control their use.

Ever heard of “nomophobia”? It’s the fear of having no mobile phone, as in accidentally leaving it at home or the battery dying with no charger in sight. There are people who simply cannot function “normally” without having their phone on them. Similar to drugs, smartphone use can trigger the release of dopamine, the chemical that controls the brain’s reward and pleasure center and alters a person’s mood. And just like alcohol and other drugs, tolerance can quickly build, causing one to need even more screen time to experience that same pleasurable reward.

New research released by Common Sense Media tells us that parents of teens and tweens are now spending as much time on their phones as their children. About 60% of these parents believe their teens are addicted to their phones, but less than 30% of these same parents believe themselves to be addicted. In this same study, 56% of parents admit to checking their mobile devices while driving in the car with their children, while 51% of teens say they witness it. Dangerous in so many ways!

Smartphone (or internet) addiction is about impulse-control – which we know is not a strongpoint for tweens/teens – and apparently many adults as well. Smartphones can be helpful and fun in a variety of ways, and spending time on them is perfectly ok – until it’s too much.

But how much is too much? According to health experts, it becomes a problem when virtual relationships take precedence over real-world relationships; when one struggles to complete tasks at school, work or home because of time spent online; when a person begins concealing his/her amount of smartphone use or gets extremely irritated when their online activity is interrupted; when there is constant fear of missing out on something if not online; if the person experiences phantom vibrations from a text or update that did not actually occur; and of course it’s a problem if a person is willing to risk their safety or the safety of others for a peek at their digital updates.

Share this quick quiz with your students, adapted by HelpGuide.org, to determine their level of dependency on their digital device(s):

Do you absent-mindedly pass the time by using your phone even when there are better things to do?
Do you lose track of time when on your phone?
Do you spend more time on your phone than talking to real people face-toface?
Do you wish you could be less connected to your phone?
Do you regularly sleep with your smartphone ON, next to your bed?
Do you use your phone at all hours of the day/night—even when it means interrupting other things?
Do you use your phone while driving or doing other activities that require your focused attention?
Are you reluctant to be without your smartphone, even for a short time?
Do you ALWAYS have your smartphone with you and feel anxious if you accidentally leave it at home?
When you eat meals is your smartphone always a part of the table place setting?
When your phone buzzes do you feel an intense urge to check for texts, tweets, updates, etc.?
Do you find yourself mindlessly checking your phone multiple times a day even when you know there is likely nothing new or important to see?
While there are no set guidelines to determine if a person has a smartphone addiction, there are certainly behaviors that can signal a problem. If your students answered yes to four or more of the questions above, encourage them to take action to break their digital habit. If they aren’t able to stick to the set limits, striking a healthy life balance, there are experts who can help.
(This article came from the Drug Free Action Alliance)

Hang In There

Now I don't want to give my age away but I do realize things today aren't quite the way they were when I grew up. For example; phones are no longer attached to the wall, we don't have to get up and walk across the room to change the television and milk is no longer delivered to your door. I am not saying things are any better today or any worse, we all have our own opinions. However, I will say one thing. Today seems to be a time of instant results, instant gratification, instant information and on and on. Seriously, how many of you have gotten impatient at McDonald's because you had to wait longer than a few minutes for your dinner.

Our youth have always grown up in this kind of world. All the information they need is at their fingertips. They can google anything they want and have an answer in a millisecond. They can call anywhere in the world and instantly chat with a friend or a stranger. Do you realize that the students of today have never been without the internet or cell phones. I guess what all this is leading up to is my concern for so many students today that I hear want to graduate early or quit school to start working early. The juniors ask me if they can take a couple classes during the summer and finish school a year early. When I ask them why they want to do that, they usually respond that they don't want to wait around another year before they start working. They want to get out and make some money. Unfortunately, over the years I have had students want to quit school once they turn 18 so they can start working, even though I tell them they will not get a job without a diploma. They seem to have the answers. They will get their GED, or they will finish on-line. Almost all of these students, except for a few exceptions, want to rush their life and move on to the next phase.

I wish all of those students would take a pause and realize that you will be missing out on another year of a great education here at Vantage. Every program will be adding more information and skills to make you an excellent candidate that any company would be glad to hire. Another year for the juniors will shape you into a highly skilled and trained employee. It will also allow you to make several connections with the employers in this area who know first hand where to go for skilled labor and professional workers. I receive calls weekly from companies asking me to let them know as soon as the senior class graduates so that they can hire them. For the seniors I simply want you to hang in there and finish strong. We are into our second semester and you are so close to the finish line. Being 18 only makes you another year older. It isn't as important as your diploma, trust me. I hope those of you with "senioritis" will think about your future and not the immediate wants. I hope that you will finish strong and be the leaders around the school that we are looking for. The impressions you make with us the last four months can go a long way in our recommendations for you, both this year and in the future.

Seniors, you have worked hard for the last thirteen years. Keep your eyes focused on the finish line and strive to do your best. The rewards at the end will be well worth it, and when Mr. Unverferth hands you your diploma, you will realize that you did the right thing. You earned something no one can take away from you. All I ask is that you hang in there, just a few more months.

Peanuts Philosophy

I recently came across  this information which is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. Perhaps you have seen it before, but I thought it was a good reminder. (You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them and you'll get the point.)

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.  (Can you name 5? 1?)
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress...

How did you do?

The point is that none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most!