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A. Look at the charts. Check (✔) the information about teens that is shown.
O club involvement O time spent reading O changing trends in leisure time
B. Skim the article. Choose the most suitable heading for each section.
a. Then and Now b. Effects of Technology c. Remaining Active
C. Talk with a partner. What is your favorite leisure activity? How much time do you spend doing this each day?
BY THE NUMBERS
Over the last few decades, there have been some changes in how American teenagers spend their time after school.
🎧1-09 OPTIONAL AUDIO
1. Participating in school clubs remains a common activity, while overall participation has gradually dropped. This does not mean students are less active. They volunteer to work in community groups for a competitive college application with various experiences. For them, academic grades, school activities, and community involvement are all important when applying to college.
Chart 1: School Club Involvement Among High School Seniors (Percentage Decrease)
Academic Athletic Performance School Other School Clubs/Activities
Clubs Clubs Arts Publications
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2. While the kinds of school activities haven't changed greatly, teens now spend their leisure time very differently. For example, they are less likely to visit a friend in person. Unsurprisingly, they are far less likely to read a print newspaper or magazine. The main reason for these changes is access to the Internet, which has increasingly become their main channel for communicating. American teens usually call, text, and connect with friends online through social media. This trend is likely to continue-between 2006 and 2011, messaging through social media increased by nearly 10%.
Chart 2: Most Popular Social Media Platforms
Source: The Pew Research Center's Teens Relationships Survey Sept 25-Oct 9, 2014 and Feb 10-Mar 16, 2015
Facebook: 71%
Instagram: 52%
Snapchat: 41%
Twitter: 33%
Google+: 33%
Vine: 24%
Tumblr: 14%
Other: 11%
3. There are many leisure activities that teens do less today than decades ago. The list includes watching TV and meeting friends in person.
The world of teens has moved online, and it's likely to stay there for long.
Chart 3: Changes in Leisure Time Use Among High School Seniors
Percentage of High School Seniors
Watching TV
Going to the movies
Spending at least an hour of leisure time alone
Hanging out with friends
Volunteering
