Phone, social media addiction can destroy students’ future – public health expert.

An international public health consultant based in Canada, Dr. C-fine Okorochukwu, has raised concerns over the growing rate of phone and social media addiction among students and young people, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to their academic performance, productivity and future success. In a message sent to Umuaka Times last week titled “Do Not Allow Phone and Social Media Addiction to Steal Your Future,” the Amakor, Njaba Local Government Area-born physician urged young people to take deliberate steps to regain control of their time and attention before the habit undermines their aspirations.

According to Dr. Okorochukwu, many students and professionals are gradually losing valuable hours every day to endless scrolling through social media platforms instead of investing that time in activities that contribute to personal growth and development. He reminded young people not to lose sight of their dreams despite the distractions of the digital age.

“Remember the big dream you have. Remember the great vision you carry in your heart. You were not created to live a distracted life. You were created to grow, succeed, make impact and become the best version of yourself,” he stated.

The public health consultant noted that while smartphones and social media provide entertainment, temporary excitement and relief from boredom, excessive use often comes at a significant cost.

He warned that addiction to phones and social media can negatively affect academic performance, workplace productivity, family relationships, friendships and physical health, as users sacrifice study time, exercise, adequate sleep and meaningful social interaction.

“The result can be poor academic performance, poor productivity at work, missed deadlines, lack of concentration, poor sleep, weak family connection, poor social interaction and reduced physical activity,” he said.

Dr. Okorochukwu added that prolonged addiction could also trigger anxiety, guilt, low self-esteem, poor motivation, emotional stress and self-doubt, leaving many young people feeling unfulfilled despite spending long hours online.

Despite these challenges, he stressed that recovery is possible through discipline and conscious lifestyle changes.

“Your phone should serve you; it should not control you. Social media should be a tool, not a trap. You have the power to choose discipline over distraction and purpose over temporary pleasure,” he advised.

As part of his recommendations, Dr. Okorochukwu outlined 15 practical steps for overcoming phone and social media addiction. These include acknowledging the problem, setting clear personal and academic goals, monitoring daily screen time, limiting social media use, turning off unnecessary notifications, avoiding phone use immediately after waking up, creating phone-free periods, keeping phones away while studying, deleting or hiding addictive applications, replacing excessive scrolling with productive activities, protecting sleep, practicing focused study sessions and strengthening real-life relationships.

He encouraged students to remain patient with themselves while developing healthier digital habits, noting that lasting change comes through consistency rather than overnight transformation.

Okorochukwu concluded by reminding young people that their future is far more valuable than online popularity.

“Your dream is bigger than your phone. Your future is greater than social media likes, comments and endless scrolling. Do not trade your destiny for temporary entertainment. Take control of your time, protect your focus and keep moving toward the life you truly want,” he said.

He added that “the future belongs to disciplined people” and urged students to embrace self-discipline as a foundation for academic excellence, career success and personal fulfilment.