TEEN DIARIES 2 of 3: How Gadgets Diminished Me

Growing up as a teenager, life with my mother was not easy. I was often distracted by gadgets, especially during the pandemic, which weakened my communication with her. I became irresponsible and easily irritated. Though my “Ilaw ng Tahanan,” my mom, had retired after 15 years of working abroad, I remained distant, consumed by my cell phone. I felt disconnected from my aunts and grandmother and found it hard to ask for help as I once did. Conversations with them between 2020-2023 felt awkward. I always wanted to improve and be the better version of myself.

My mom sent me to a youth camp where cellphones were only allowed during breaks. We were encouraged to open up, share, and improve our communication skills in a God-centered environment. This experience helped me realize I could reconnect with the older generation. When I returned home, I began communicating more with my grandmother, which helped me break free from the darkness caused by my phone and allowed the light of my grandmother and mom to guide me. After attending a Youth-Leadership Summit on Social Media and Mental Health by Mrs. Cheryl V. Magdaherin, I understood that I had distanced myself from my aunts instead of engaging with them more maturely. I kept praying the Holy Rosary, begging for Mother Mary’s intercession to help me build a better relationship with my own mother. I didn’t want to be distant from her–no, I needed my mom so much and imagining a life without her feels so empty. Mama, who is also a faithful woman of Mother Mary, would also pray the rosary.

Following the summit which I attended, my aunt from Australia called, and we had a conversation about college, which relieved me. Despite the years of distance, she welcomed me back with love and understanding. My aunt and her husband praised my achievements, calling me “Beauty and Brains” based on what they saw on social media. After attending youth seminars, I began reducing my screen time. I spent more time with my other aunt, going to SaveMore together to buy treats for her kids, my baby cousins. Hearing her laugh and ask me questions made me realize that they were never far away—I was the one pulling away. My aunts still treat and spoil me just as they did when I was a child.

As I celebrate the birthdays of my mom, grandmother, and my aunt (who is also my mom’s sister-in-law) this month, I want them to know through this article how much I love and appreciate them. My grandmother and mom illumined my path, so I did not have to walk through darkness alone. My aunts, now mothers themselves, were also my “Ilaw ng Tahanan”—they stood in as second mothers when my mom was working abroad. God could not be everywhere, so He sent these beautiful women to light up my life and guide me directly to Him.

I pray that my younger cousins and even the youth today will come to appreciate how blessed they are to have their parents with them throughout their journey of growing up. I disconnected with my phone and other gadgets to reconnect back with my “Ilaw ng Tahanan.” which made me understand my mom even better. She’s not that stern in a toxic way that would make me feel like I’m chained, she’s in fact a mother who has her own ways of disciplining me to have the future that I deserve. I heard their witty jokes, admired the beauty of their words, and cherished their serene affirmations. Disconnect to Connect. (Sophia Beatrice V. Sison | San Pablo Youth Apostolate)