How many times have you scrolled through a moment instead of taking it all in? For many high schoolers, being present isn’t just difficult; it feels nearly impossible. Between nonstop to-do lists, social media notifications and the pressure of what’s next, slowing down can feel like falling behind.
For many teens, the biggest threat to being present isn’t about what’s ahead or behind; it’s about what’s in their hands.
“I believe that teens struggle with staying present,” senior Lilly Leuer said. “Some may argue that because everybody keeps up with social media, they are still present with what’s going on in the world. But when you think about it, you are missing out on what’s going on right next to you.”
As much as social media can connect us, it also pulls attention away from our immediate surroundings. Notifications, mindless scrolling and the pressure to stay caught up with what others are doing often means real-life moments pass by unnoticed.
“I always like to check my phone to see what someone texted me, or check my friends’ posts to see what they’re up to,” Leuer admits.
While Leuer does make an effort to put the phone down around friends and family, she’s not alone in her struggle. In a society constantly distracted by updates, being fully present in the here and now feels more like a conscious decision than a given reality.
Even when teens are physically present, their minds are often somewhere else – worrying about a test, replaying an awkward moment from the day before or stressing over what comes after graduation. With so many responsibilities and expectations, it’s easy to fall into a constant state of overthinking. The pressure to do well in school, keep up socially and plan for the future often crowds out the ability to simply be in the moment.
“Being present requires a purposeful, yet unforced, recognition of the moment for what it is, not for what we wish it was or what we think it can be,” columnist Grace Blair wrote in her article on psychologytoday.com. In other words, being present demands a careful balance between steady mindfulness and letting go of expectations.
Without this balance, teens’ thoughts tend to drift toward perfectionism, boredom or stress, leaving them operating on autopilot through their daily routines. That foggy mental state doesn’t just dull enjoyment; it interferes with learning, relationships and emotional well-being. When teens’ brains are overworked, small moments like a conversation with friends or the comfort of a sunset can slip by unnoticed, erasing the opportunity for calm or connection.
Being present doesn’t need to always feel out of reach. Small choices, like putting your phone away during meals or taking a few deep breaths between classes, can shift your focus back to the current moment. “One of the keys to happiness lies in simply redirecting our attention from mind wandering and distraction to what’s happening right here, right now in the present moment,” author Eric Langshur wrote in his article on mindful.org
Presence doesn’t require a total lifestyle transformation; it just starts with being aware of your surroundings. Journaling, walking without music or simply paying attention to your senses can gently ground you.
“I try to make some time to get off my phone and spend that time with my family and friends,” Leuer said.
How many moments have passed by unnoticed as background noise to a racing mind or a glowing screen? For teens, being present often feels like a luxury in a society that rewards constant productivity and nonstop connections. But presence isn’t about ignoring the past or pretending the future doesn’t matter. It’s about refusing to let either steal your attention from the only thing you can truly control: right now.
That truth is easy to forget in a society where attention is always being pulled elsewhere. But even brief moments of awareness, such as putting your phone down, laughing with a friend or noticing the way the light hits the floor, can keep you in the present moment.
Being present isn’t always easy, but it’s possible. And maybe the most important moments in life are the ones you didn’t scroll past, overthink or rush through, but simply lived.
