Arbeitsblatt: too much screen time

Too Much Screen Time? Today, screens are everywhere. Teenagers use smartphones, tablets, computers, and TVs every day. Some students spend more than six hours day looking at screen. They watch videos, scroll through social media, play games, chat with friends, or do schoolwork. Technology is part of modern life, and it is difficult to imagine day without it. But is it healthy to spend so much time in front of screen? Doctors and health experts say: not always. Too much screen time can cause problems. It can hurt your eyes, give you headaches, and make it hard to sleep. If you use your phone late at night, your brain thinks it is still daytime, and you dont feel tired. This can lead to bad sleep and low energy the next day. Social media can also affect your feelings. Many people post pictures of perfect holidays, happy moments, or expensive clothes. Teenagers sometimes compare their own lives to these photos and feel sad or stressed. But remember: not everything online is real. Of course, screens are not always bad. You can use your phone to learn new language, watch science video, or talk to friends and family who live far away. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many students even had online school. Screens can help us – if we use them in smart way. Its important to have balance. That means: spend time with friends, go outside, play sports, and take breaks from your screen. Try to have one screen-free hour before bed. It helps you sleep better and feel more relaxed. So, the next time you unlock your phone, ask yourself: Is this good for me right now? If the answer is yes – go ahead. If not, maybe its time for little break. Vocabulary Word Phrase Meaning (in German) scroll through durchblättern (z. B. Social Media) low energy wenig Energie, müde compare vergleichen screen-free ohne Bildschirm in smart way auf kluge Weise Reading Comprehension – Answer in English 1. What are four things teenagers often do with screens? 2. What are two health problems caused by too much screen time? 3. Why can social media make teenagers feel sad? 4. What are two positive uses of screens mentioned in the text? 5. What are two tips to use screens in healthy way?