GEORGE NEWS - In today's fast-paced digital age, smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life, especially for teenagers, and technology grows faster than a teenager outgrows shoes.
For many teens, smartphones are more than just gadgets; they are lifelines. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, voice notes, Instagram DMs and TikTok videos allow teens to stay connected with friends and family at any time.
However, while these devices offer a window to global connection and opportunity, they also present a new set of challenges, particularly in developing healthy communication skills.
"In my daily work with teenagers, I've noticed a growing and concerning trend: Many of them are losing the ability to communicate effectively, and their attention span is becoming shorter and shorter," says local counselling psychologist Irini Agathagelou-Klopper.
In her opinion, while smartphones and social media platforms have connected us more than ever before, they are also slowly breaking down the depth and quality of how young people express themselves, especially in real-life conversations.
The link to smartphones
According to Agathagelou-Klopper, much of this is linked to smartphones and the format and function of social media. "Short-form video content like TikTok and Instagram Reels offers instant gratification in mere seconds. This rewires the brain to crave novelty and speed.
"As a result, teenagers increasingly struggle with sustaining attention, whether it's during a classroom lesson, reading a book or even having a meaningful conversation. They're trained to swipe, not to sit still, engage and communicate."
Communication is changing
Teenagers are using abbreviated language like 'LOL', 'OMG', 'BRB', 'POV' and 'IMO', which, while efficient online, have serious consequences offline.
"Not only are spelling and grammar suffering due to autocorrect and predictive text, but many teens are also losing confidence in their ability to write without technological support," says Agathagelou-Klopper.
"AI tools have compounded this issue. While convenient, they're increasingly being used as shortcuts in schoolwork, limiting critical thinking and language development."
The result is a generation that may be highly connected, but increasingly disconnected from traditional forms of expression, writing, reading, debating and personal dialogue.
These days teenagers are trained to swipe, not to sit still, engage and communicate.
Warning signs
• Difficulty focusing in school or on homework
• Avoidance of face-to-face conversations
• Reliance on autocorrect or AI for school projects and writing
• Loss of interest in reading or writing for pleasure
• Increased use of slang and abbreviations in verbal and written communication
• Resistance to screen-free time.
Agathagelou-Klopper gives these tips for parents:
1. Limit tech time with boundaries
Set specific times for phone usage, especially before bed, during meals and while studying. Use parental control apps to monitor screen time if necessary.
2. Create screen-free zones
Encourage technology-free areas at home, such as bedrooms or the dining room. Model this behaviour yourself.
3. Encourage reading and writing
Have teens read one physical book a month and write short reflections or journal entries. This builds vocabulary, comprehension and emotional intelligence.
4. Talk openly about tech habits
Discuss the pros and cons of smartphone use. Let them express their views, and help them see the impact of overuse on their mental and academic well-being.
5. Involve teens in tech decisions
Involve them in deciding screen limits and discussing why these limits exist. Collaboration increases compliance.
6. Support real-life social interaction
Prioritise extracurricular and in-person peer interaction to develop real-world social skills.
"Ultimately, technology isn't the enemy, but unmoderated, unsupervised use of it during crucial developmental years certainly can be. Let's help our teens reconnect with their own voices, attention spans and deeper forms of connection," says the expert.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
