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Social Sites

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Christian Living › Social Sites

The question

Many youths spend so much time on social sites (e.g. my space and my crib) simply because they have nothing better to do. So, if studying is not sufficient to fill their time, what activities or hobbies would you suggest for high school boys and girls that are constructive, attractive to their age group, and would help them and those  around them? So many good youths are desperate to find something good to do but unfortunately resort to simply doing nothing, trying to kill their time.

The answer

Unfortunately, my space, facebook, etc. and similar social sites are the modern day means of communication and information. Youth need to be repeatedly encouraged to utilize these tools more responsibly and within set limits. Certainly the influence of these sites can be curbed by developing other interests. High school is generally a very different experience than any other in a student's academic formal education. A well-rounded individual should emerge and be ready for college and a productive adult life. In answering this question I will not focus on spiritual activities because they are known to all of us. The following are a few suggestions:
  1. Each school usually offers a wide range of challenging academic courses; some leading to college credit (i.e., Advanced Placement & Dual Enrollment). This choice is helpful for those student who find their work too easy and completes assignments too quickly, and still earn high marks.


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  2. Each school usually offers a selection of academic clubs, service clubs, and other activities. This is a good opportunity for learning commitment and team work. After participating in a club for some time, a student can become an officer, or continue to participate as a member. Clubs allow both extrovert and introvert students to share interests, be productive, set goals, and interact in a more relaxed, collegial environment. In most cases, clubs are moderated by a faculty member that would supervise and coordinate the meetings and chaperon the events: SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions); National Honor Society; school newspaper, yearbook, or magazine; SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco); chess club; band, chorus, etc are examples of such clubs. If a responsible faculty member is not present, students should not attend.
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  3. Community Service is usually mandated as part of the curriculum. Many scholarships require a certain number and quality of meaningful service projects. To benefit the most from this experience, students ought to seek a service project that means more to them than just accumulating hours. For example, students interested in the medical field could serve in hospitals; if interested in working with children, volunteer at a school and tutor; if interested in sports, volunteer to serve with individuals with disabilities in "Special Olympics", etc. These activities usually require a set number of hours per week or per month. Each county ordinarily has lists of volunteer opportunities in their communities. Even our own churches can formulate service projects per age group (high school, middle school, and elementary), in which they make a monthly commitment of serving.


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  4. Sports are usually fun activities for both participants and spectators. Most high schools offer several sports, so there is a variety to choose from. Youths can also play intramural sports with their church friends on a weekly or monthly basis.


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  5. Two school activities to refrain from are dances and cheer-leading for the obvious reasons.
If parents start early, before high school, to engage their children in positive activities, such as service, sports, and music, it will not be as difficult when they get older. Even when they are not participating in outside activities, parents can have their children help with cooking a couple of nights a week (boys and girls); help with the yard work, etc. (as helpers, and not for punishment). The main idea is that they are active and involved, mentally and physically. During this age, the release of mental and physical energy is critical, so a youth does not resort to his/her own imagination, T.V., internet, etc. for a prolonged time. The more they are involved in real life, the less time they will waste.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1428 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.