Put your phone down

Put Down Your Phone: TIiktoc Can Wait

By Avy Wientge

A video I saw in driver’s education of a horrible car accident that was caused by someone texting had an impact on me. It made me realize how fatal texting and driving can be. In the driver’s education class, the students were not allowed to be on their phones. A lot of my friend complained about the instructor being strict. I realized how social medica is like an addiction for teen and am trying to make a difference and want to encourage safe driving. During our breaks, I asked my friends if we could talk and not be on their phones all the time. I realized this is a big undertaking but want to make a difference with teens and safe driving. After getting my driver’s license, I became a student representative in a club called students against destructive decisions. The club focuses on educating peers on safe decisions and not texting or using drugs or alcohol while driving. A lot of teens think that they are invincible and it’s important to have reminders of the dangers of texting and driving. Thanks to our club, we have had the opportunity to talk with peers. We talked with peers about making a pact with friends about not texting each other while driving. My plan is to have a campaign signs around the school to remind us that all our hard work is not worth texting your best friend about the new tiktoc video and causing a collision. I think education and reminders are key in helping teens understand what’s at risk for texting and driving. Teens feel they have to respond to texts and check social media constantly. I think encouraging friends to put on the do not disturb alert on phones when driving. I think driver’s education should have students sign a promise with friends that they will not text and drive. I also think teaching teens more mindfulness techniques and ways to destress is important.

I think driver’s education needs to understand the importance of social media for teens and should be able to discuss how to disconnect from phones when driving. My mom also had to attend the first class for driver’s education and would constantly remind me of the importance of not texting and driving. I also had to remind her a on few occasions not to look and her phone. We also did a written promise/contract about not texting or driving under the influence while I was driving, I think health educators, teachers, peers, and parents all need to remind teens of how dangerous texting and driving can be and also encourage teens to put their phones down during other activities( class time, dinner . time, studying). A new article from the American Psychiatric Association stated that teens who spent less screen time have better mental health. So, encouraging less screen time and not texting and driving can save a life and increase mental health: That is a win win in my book. I think the more education and reminders out there about the dangers of texting and driving, will hopefully be heard among us teenagers.

Thank you for your time in considering my application. I will continue to be a positive role model about safe driving and hopefully can go to college and continue to educate my peers.