Let’s face it, we now live on our phones. They have become more popular than TV and trying to go more than a few hours without it is torture. It’s even more so for teens- this age only knows a world where everything they need is at the push of a button. Any question they may have is a quick Google search away. While this may make some parents’ eyes roll, it can prove very beneficial to have so much knowledge be so easily accessible. New apps are being created all the time to solve problems and help teens learn, get organized, and even relax.
Here are the 10 phone apps your teen should have:
- Google Drive– most teachers integrate with this already, but it makes it easy to work on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations and be able to access them from anywhere. They can also do group projects and easily upload them for teachers to grade. You can also scan handwritten notes and upload them to your drive. iPhone | Android
- Google Calendar– keep track of events/classes, people can send you invites to auto add to your calendar, you can sync your calendar with others, create a schedule that works for you, and time block to stay on task and organize your time. iPhone | Android
- Evernote– get a thought in your head when you’re out and about. Make a quick note in this app to keep random links, ideas, lists, and anything else that doesn’t have a place. Think of it like virtual Post-it notes, but all in one place and organized how you want. iPhone | Android
- Podcast App– if you haven’t gotten into the world of podcasts, what are you even doing? They are also great for teens. Everything from meditation to education to stories to true crime, you can find a podcast to suit their taste. Great for listening to during any downtime or while driving. Spotify and Apple Podcasts are the most popular and have the biggest libraries. iPhone | Android
- Quizlet– designed to help students study through interactive tools like flashcards, quizzes, and games. It allows teens to create their study sets or access millions of pre-made ones. Features like practice tests, spelling challenges, and adaptive learning ensure personalized and effective study sessions. iPhone | Android
- Duolingo– want to get your teen to learn a new language? This app gives small, quick lessons that are easy to digest. The game-like structure makes it fun and engaging for teens and adults. There are over 40 languages to choose from and it’s free! iPhone | Android
- Khan Academy– is a free educational platform offering study resources for students. It covers a wide range of subjects, including math, science, humanities, and test prep for exams like the SAT and AP tests. The platform features engaging video lessons, interactive practice exercises, and a personalized learning dashboard to track progress.
iPhone | Android - Headspace– is a mindfulness and meditation app designed to help reduce stress, and improve focus and overall mental well-being. It offers guided meditations, sleep aids, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices tailored for different needs, including managing anxiety or preparing for exams. With content for teens and beginners, Headspace provides a user-friendly way to build healthy habits and promote emotional balance. iPhone | Android
- Adobe Scan– use your phone as a mini scanner to scan and upload documents. It automatically finds the edges of a page, merges multiple pages, and creates a clean background. Email or upload straight from the app. Handy for times when students need to quickly get something from paper to computer. iPhone | Android
- Webster’s Dictionary+Thesaurus– there is no shortage of essay writing in high school, so it’s nice to have a dictionary and thesaurus to reference to enhance the language you use- a must for students who want to expand their writing skills. iPhone | Android
Having a teen who is glued to a phone doesn’t have to mean doom scrolling or watching the latest YouTube influencer, it can be educational and enhance their well-being. Have yours check out these apps and try a few for yourself. Having the world at your fingertips can be a wonderful thing!
