BY Guest Writer
Virginia Satir quips that adolescents are not monsters. They are just people trying to learn how to make it among the adults in the world, who are probably not so sure themselves. Being a teenager comes with a lot of challenges. There are physical, emotional, and social changes. On top of that, there is also the pressure to do well in school and to make plans for the future. It is indeed a lot to handle! Fortunately, there are some great technology solutions out there that can help parents and their teens ease their teenage years. From apps that help with time management to ones that encourage positive mental health, there is something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the most useful technology solutions to common teenage problems. If you are a teenager struggling to keep up with everything, or if you’re a parent looking for ways to help your child, read on for some helpful tips
If you are like most parents, you probably have some concerns about your teenager’s screen time. Maybe they are spending too much time on their phone, or maybe they are up late at night watching TV. Whatever the case may be, too much screen time can be a problem. There are a few things you can do to help your teenager cut down on their screen time. First, try to set some limits, using the device, on how much time they can spend on their devices each day. You can also encourage them to take breaks from screens by doing other activities such as reading, playing outside, or spending time with family and friends. Finally, try to lead by example and limit your own screen time so that your teenager sees that you are also making an effort to cut down. By working together, you can help your teenager reduce their screen time and enjoy a healthier balance in their life.
Another challenge, that affects both adults and teens alike is distracted driving. In 2015 alone, 3,477 people were killed and 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States. Extrapolating this number to the 195 countries of the world gives an idea of how many lives are lost due to drivers that are distracted.
Most distractions are visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), or cognitive (taking your mind off what you’re doing). Anything that takes your focus away from driving is a distraction and can be dangerous. Texting is perhaps the most well-known form of distracted driving. It requires all three types of distraction – visual, manual, and cognitive – and is therefore particularly dangerous. Even if you are stopped at a red light, texting can take your eyes off the road long enough to miss a pedestrian or another car running the light. Other activities that can be distracting while driving include talking on the phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or climate control, looking for something in the car, daydreaming, and rubbernecking (looking at accidents or other interesting sights). The best way to avoid being distracted while driving is to put away anything that could take your attention away from the task at hand. If you need to make a phone call, pull over to a safe location first. If you are hungry or thirsty, eat before you get in the car or bring along snacks and drinks that won’t require you to take your eyes off the road. And if you must adjust something in the car, do it before you start driving.
In addition, there are a number of different sleep problems that can affect teenagers. Poor sleep habits are one of the most common and can lead to a number of different health problems. Most teenagers need around 8-10 hours of sleep each night, but many do not get this much due to poor sleep habits. This can lead to fatigue during the day, as well as problems with concentration and focus. It can also lead to moodiness and irritability. There are a number of things that parents can do to help their teenage children develop better sleep habits. One is to make sure that they have a comfortable place to sleep, without any distractions such as television or loud music. It is also important to establish a regular bedtime routine and to avoid letting them stay up late on weekends or holidays. If your teenager is having difficulty sleeping, there are a number of technology solutions that can help. One is using a white noise machine or app, which can help to block out external noise and create a more calming environment for sleep. There are also many different apps and websites that offer guidance on how to improve sleep habits, including tips on how to wind down before bedtime and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
Despite the afore, there are a couple of solutions that could be used to address pertinent challenges. As a parent, it can be difficult to monitor and control your teenager’s screen time. You may feel like you are constantly battling with them over the amount of time they are spending on their phone, tablet, or computer. However, there are some useful technology solutions that can help you to manage your teenager’s screen time more effectively. One solution is to set up screen time limits on their devices. This means that they will only be able to use their devices for a certain amount of time each day. You can either set up these limits yourself or there are also some apps that can help you to do this. Another solution is to use parental controls to restrict the type of content that your teenager can access on their devices. This can be helpful if you are concerned about them viewing inappropriate content or spending too much time on social media sites. Finally, one other solution is to simply have regular conversations with your teenager about their screen time usage. This can help you to get an understanding of why they are using their devices so much and whether there are any specific areas that you need to be concerned about. All of these solutions can be useful in helping you to manage your teenager’s screen time more effectively. Try out different approaches and see what works best for you and your family.
With regard to distracted driving, there are a number of phone mounts for cars available on the market that can be used to keep a teenager’s or adult’s phone in view while driving. This can be a useful solution for people who tend to text or use their phones while driving. One option is the iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Dashboard & Windshield Car Mount. This mount features a suction cup base that can be attached to either the dashboard or windshield. The mount has an adjustable arm that allows it to be positioned in just the right spot. The phone is secured in place with a one-touch locking mechanism. Another option is the WizGear Universal Air Vent Magnetic Phone Car Mount Holder. This mount attaches to the air vent of your car and features two powerful magnets that hold the phone in place. The mount also has an adjustable arm so that it can be positioned in just the right spot. Either of these mounts would be a great solution for keeping a teenager’s phone in view while driving. They both offer easy one-handed operation and can be positioned in a variety of locations within the car.
Although, there are many technological solutions to common teenage problems, one of the most effective is using a bedtime routine. Most teenagers have trouble sleeping at night, and this can lead to problems with concentration and focus during the day. A bedtime routine can help to ease these issues by providing structure and order to the night. There are a few things that should be included in a bedtime routine in order to be effective. First, it is important to establish a regular sleep schedule. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Second, it is important to create an environment that is conducive to sleep. This means keeping the bedroom dark and quiet and avoiding screen time for at least an hour before bedtime. Third, it is important to wind down before bedtime. This means taking some time to relax and clear the mind before trying to sleep. Some activities that can help with this include reading, listening to calm music, or spending time in nature. Finally, it is important to have a set bedtime ritual that signals to the body that it is time for sleep. This could involve something as simple as brushing one’s teeth and washing face, or something more elaborate like taking a warm bath or writing in a journal.
following these steps can help teenagers get the quality sleep they need in order to function at their best during the day.
In conclusion, technology can be a great way to solve some of the common problems that teenagers face. From staying connected with friends and family to getting help with homework, there are plenty of tech solutions out there that can make life as a teenager a little bit easier. Do you have any other favorite technology solutions for teenage problems? Let us know in the comments below!
To wrap up my thoughts, I will like to put forward these additional thoughts as recommendations. The chances that teenagers have experienced some common problems are high. Some have struggled with acne, even felt insecure about their body, or had trouble sleeping. Whatever the issues are, there is likely a technology solution that can help.
Acne: There are a number of apps that can help you manage your acne. MyFitnessPal is one option that lets you track your daily food intake and exercise to see how they impact your skin. Another app, AcneAid, provides information on the best over-the-counter and prescription treatments for acne.
Body image: If you are feeling insecure about your body, there are a few apps that can help. Fitocracy is an app that lets you set fitness goals and track your progress. You can also join community challenges and connect with other users for support. Endomondo is another great option for tracking your fitness progress and setting goals.
Sleep: There are a number of apps that can help you get a good night’s sleep. The Sleep Cycle App tracks your sleep patterns and wakes you up at the optimal time. Pzizz is an app that plays personalized soundtracks to help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. I close with Anita Brookner, that time misspent in youth is sometimes all the freedom one really ever has, and wise choices create better futures, with emphasis on mine.
Thank you for the investment in time, and I am open to discussions on technological solutions that positively support your parenting. Please follow me on Medium: https://medium.com/@roariyo and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olufemi-ariyo-923ba6130/ or send an email to techtalk@freesia.com.ng
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