In Grade 7 Advisory this week we talked about smartphones and the effects of using them by young people. The harmful use of smartphones by young people is a growing concern, as excessive screen time can negatively impact their mental health, sleep patterns, and academic performance. Constant exposure to social media may lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and a distorted sense of reality. Additionally, overuse can reduce face-to-face interactions, limit physical activity, and contribute to addiction-like behavior. It’s important for young people to develop healthy habits and maintain a balanced lifestyle that includes offline activities and meaningful personal connections. Our students had the opportunity to reflect on their smartphone use and create a plan to improve it. They shared their ideas on post-it notes, which are displayed for everyone at school to see, so other students can be inspired by them. It was an eye-opening session for many, and hopefully, the students will now be more aware of the dangers that come with the technology they use daily.