'The Screenagers': Teenagers who are surrounded by technologies

What is the meaning of a Screenager? Someone, especially teens and young adults, is passionate about computer systems, cell phones, and the internet. And this specific Teen and Young Adult generation are now known as the Screenager. So, How can a modern parent maintain a balance between helping their child or young adult develop confidence and not being overly concerned with all possible dangers that could be in store for them?

Technology is all around us, and it won't go away soon. Teenagers, in higher amounts compared to different age groups, are constantly looking through their mobiles or addicted to their laptops or mobile phones whenever they can instead of paying attention to the world around them or engaging in a conversation with someone. If you consider this, it's uncommon to find people in lines for whatever reason, just texting quickly instead of conversing with their fellow passengers. We require this technology to live in our modern world, but excessive use could have adverse effects. Dependence on technology can cause massive depression and anxiety in the absence of technology. Even though we don't see it, technology can create exceptional results, stimulating our brains like we do when taking drugs. It could be as devastating as the effects of alcohol and drugs cause us to experience as if we have escaped reality.

The constant use of technology has an impact that is detrimental to how our brain develops and functions. It is a tool that alters the world and how it operates. Technology is now a significant aspect of our daily life, affecting almost everything we do, and as a result, we're seeing a massive shift in how our brain functions. Although some may say that technology is practical and straightforward for getting information, being too connected could result in mental and psychological health issues like anxiety, depression, and feelings of being isolated. It can cause excessive dependence on technology, as well as other negative impacts of it.

From childhood into adulthood can be huge of a shift; this can mean more responsibility and making decisions that could be empowering, however, at the same time, an overwhelming experience. Many factors can cause stress in teens. It's an inherent human trait that people need to feel secure from those around them; they want acceptance as an integral element of society; this can create pressure on teens. The pressure could come from parents, who may have a noble motive: they wish their kids to do exceptionally well in all aspects of their lives. However, at an age when parents can't discern between supporting their children and criticizing them, they begin becoming complex. Beyond parental pressure, teenagers may be influenced by peer pressure. Peers can exert either positive or negative pressure on teenagers.

Additionally, teenagers may encounter academic pressures and pressure to excel at school or be judged by others. Leading universities might not accept them into a desirable course or subject, or their parents could be stern with them. Increasing technology usage is one of the leading causes of teenage anxiety. Social media platforms place an enticement on young people. The dominance of shares, likes, and comments is rising. The desire to be "popular" and "cool" is the current trend. Those who do not follow this trend the society does not accept as acceptable citizens. Along with this comes jealousy, insecurity, and depression among young people.

Many parents believe that discipline and child rearing aim to help children become productive and a positive part of society. The social standards guide how a parent raises their child to achieve the common aim of making them acceptable community citizens. The place where the child was born influences the cultural norms that indicate a child's development. However, the general public might argue that the standards and rituals are changing globally. But, regardless of whether a parent offers complete guidance or insists on their child's independence, everyone may admit that their children's future depends on how their parents raise them. For instance, many Asian parents place great importance on a child's development as part of an entire society, both inside and outside the family. In these societies, it is an unofficial requirement for the members to behave politely and respectfully. But the irony is, "When I talk to the teenagers, they say parents don't really understand the world we are in." - I do not say this; it's quoted by leading Irish psychotherapist Richard Hogan.

We should not forget about the working parents of these teenagers too. An interesting one-line example (taken from online) regarding this and our topic is "With two working parents and three screenagers, a family dinner with real conversation is a rarity." Terrific, right? According to Dr. Monjur-E-KhodaTarafdar - "Another mistake parents make allowing their children to use technology independently without guidance. Parents are often workaholics and are too busy working on their projects; this mistake has often been made, and children are exposed to online trash." There are very few write-ups regarding practical guides on parenting techniques and parenting the teenagers/screenagers of the current era. In the context of Bangladesh, that number is even more minor. "Screenager," Translated in Bengali by Dr. Monjur-E-KhodaTarafdar& Nurul Islam Lablu, from the book 'Parenting the Screenager' by leading Irish psychotherapist Richard Hogan is such one.

 The author draws on cases from his extensive knowledge base and offers easy-to-follow valuable tips that can assist parents in creating healthy and positive ways of communicating within their families. Covering topics like Boundaries, social media, Communication, Gaming, Online pornography, Bullying and cyberbullying, teenage anxiety, Perfectionism, Body image and steroid use, Sleep deprivation and exams, and the modern family. These will be helpful to anyone who is trying to know how to be a better parent to their new generation child more effectively.

I appreciate this case because I have used my phone for a long time. I also occasionally suffer from a severe headache, frequently cramping my finger, which I am most likely to use. But, I will be able to accept that people are becoming more dependent on their smartphones. I can understand how the internet ties people emotionally. In the last few years, there has been an enormous increase in depression and anxiety in teens. But in the end, everything, everything's not the fault of devices; it's imperative because smartphones are the primary reason for teens suffering from mental health issues. Parents and teens must focus on expressing issues and finding an answer.

We can spend hours pondering technology issues, for example: Is my phone equipped with enough battery to record the event during the event? If the phone does not have enough power, you try to locate a charger or not leave your home; this means you don't get it and enjoy the moment because you're tense over numerous issues. The choice is in our hands. We must admit that we are distracted by technology and not experiencing the present moment. I have learned from my experiences at concerts that all I've seen are people using their phones at the time of the concert. People are recording the entire performance and not taking in the atmosphere or the great vibe surrounding them because they are focused on their phones.

Many teens struggle with anxiety; that's the primary cause of all issues. The majority of teens turn to their devices to escape their worries. Most teens are struggling with anxiety. Teenagers also are prone to feeling unsure about their independence as they have parents who are apprehensive and strive to fix every issue on behalf of their child. Many teens log on to escape the effects of depression, stress, or anxiety. We all know this method can have more negative emotional effects than positive ones. The world of digital technology is here nowadays to draw our focus, drain the user, and distract or hinder our capacity to strengthen our relationships. In this regard, the use of smartphones is a sign that the teenager is stressed. Cutting screen time won't solve problems that make teens turn to their devices.

Currently, too many people rely on technology in their daily lives. Many people cannot even spend a second without going through Facebook, Twitter, or their messages. Technology is changing daily, dragging us more and more into it. Nowadays, technology will always be present, no matter which school you attend, where you go, your workplace, or even your daily life. But, while technology comes with many advantages, including for office workers, life has become more straightforward due to the amount you can accomplish using technology. We get up and go to our phones, work, use computers, come back home, browse social media, browse recipes for dinner, and then set an alarm clock to sleep. Technology is a part of everyday life, and we have not often realized how much we make use of it. Technology is affecting our daily lives. Do our children, and we become too dependent upon technology? If so, parents should concentrate more on their child's well-being for the sake of their future, our future.


Yasir Monon is Novelist, Author
of short storybooks.