Walking through a high school hallway, it is common to see students looking down at their screens, scrolling through social media, or watching videos. While smartphones provide entertainment and convenience, they consume a large portion of our daily lives, sometimes without us even realizing it. 

   Teenagers should consider spending less time on their phones and more time engaging in what are often called “grandma hobbies.”

   These activities can include baking, gardening, reading, painting, crocheting, embroidery, and knitting. Although they may seem outdated or boring at first, they offer valuable skills that many teenagers overlook.

   Unlike social media, which constantly provides fast-paced content and instant gratification, these activities require patience and focus. This can be refreshing in a world where we are used to constant notifications and endless scrolling. Taking time to concentrate on a single task allows us to be more present and mindful.

   In addition, these hobbies can have a positive impact on mental health. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, social media can cause social isolation, a lack of healthy activities, and lack of sleep. In contrast, offline activities provide a sense of accomplishment and relaxation. Completing a painting, baking a successful recipe, or finishing a book can be far more rewarding than simply consuming online content. 

   Engaging in these hobbies helps teenagers develop unique skills and interests. Instead of only discussing what we have seen online, we can share what we have created or learned.

   This doesn’t mean that teenagers should completely give up their phones. Technology is an important part of modern life and can be useful in many ways. However, finding a balance is essential. By dedicating a small portion of time to offline hobbies, teenagers can discover new passions outside of the internet.