Social media platforms have ingrained themselves into our daily lives in a time when technology is constantly evolving and drawing millions of users with seductive features and never-ending streams of captivating content. Among these, TikTok has become a worldwide phenomenon, captivating users with its viral challenges and short-form films. Underneath the fun and inventiveness however, there is growing concern about the risks connected to TikTok and other social media platforms. TikTok's alluring content conceals the inherent dangers it poses to teenagers, as it interferes with authentic social connections and diverts attention from important activities like sports and academics.
It is impossible to emphasise just how negatively TikTok affects face-to-face interactions. A 2022 Headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey found more than 50% of young people reported experiencing significant feelings of loneliness, despair, and anxiety, and most blamed social media platforms as the main reason for this. People frequently find themselves isolated in a virtual environment, cut off from the richness of real human connections, and it’s vital to understand that we are not immune to this problem here at TGS. Our own school-based surveys show an equally alarming rate of mental health concerns linked to social media use.
Social media has its place; however, we urge boys to prioritise face-to-face interactions with friends. Simple things like chatting after school, having a kick on the oval, or taking the bus to Saturday sport are great opportunities for subtle communication, nonverbal clues, and shared experiences, all of which are crucial for building strong emotional and social relationships. These everyday interactions are the very best way to check in with mates and get a sense of whether they are doing okay.
Alongside reducing face-to-face interactions, social media is also stripping us of time for more important things, like extracurricular activities and academia. Let’s be real, it’s on the field or in the music rooms where we forge quality, supportive life-long friendships, not online, and this is especially so at TGS, where we have sports and activities for boys of all interests. As an added bonus, involvement in extracurricular activities also provides boys with an essential physical outlet. A 2021 University of Queensland-led study showed that just one hour a day of physical activity helps to provide optimal mental wellbeing and can even show benefits to academic grades!
In this ever-changing world, TikTok and social media are here to stay, and students need to be educated of the dangers associated with these platforms. These time-sapping apps are slowly eroding our free-time and our friendships. We need to look up from our screens and be honest about the situation. When used excessively, TikTok and social media do more harm than good, and we must heed this warning before it’s too late.
So, stop scrolling and make a change. Pave the way for our future generations. A future without distractions and a future with time for friendships, fun, and everything good that life grants you. Make a change. Make it now.
- Charlie Parrington, Year 9 Student
References
Excess screen time impacting teen mental health. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2023 from https://www.uq.edu.au/news/art...
Young people cite social media as main reason for worsening mental health. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2023 from https://headspace.org.au/our-o...
Latest Blog
Literacy at TGS: A research-informed approach
A recent Grattan Institute report has shared that one-third of Australian students are failing to learn to read proficiently, referring to the situation as a ‘preventable tragedy’. In addition, the report identifies evidence-based approaches utilising structured literacy programs with phonics and explicit instruction as the most effective methods of teaching literacy. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we implement a structured synthetic phonics approach to teaching spelling and reading that…
Past Mothers, Present Supporters
Any Old Boy will tell you the Blue and Gold is part of their blood. They love the history, the traditions, the memories, and the lifelong friends they made during their time at Toowoomba Grammar School. Well, it seems the same can be said for many TGS mums. The Past Mothers’ Group was formed in 1979 by Mrs Mary Campbell who contacted as many past mothers as she could and invited them to meet at her home where the Past Mothers’ Group was officially formed with the intention of retaining links…
The TGS Interact Club - the Reward for Work Well Done
The Interact Club successfully raised over $10,000 last year for charities and services on a local, statewide and international scale through the hard work and commitment of its members. With these funds, the Interact Club has donated Backpack Blankets to Toowoomba's homeless, helped AEIOU's efforts in supporting children with autism, contributed to the "Are You Bogged Mate?" campaign for rural mental health and raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. As well as many other individual…
A Question of Character
In an age bursting with technological innovations and an overwhelming abundance of information, the present era appears to be characterised by a swift and unrelenting pace of change. Our society, young and old alike, finds itself constantly bombarded with provocative and sensationalist narratives. The media floods our consciousness with constant streams of global dilemmas, highlighting the flaws of our leaders, uncovering corporate or political scandals, and bringing conflicts and tragedies…
Coping with Homesickness
Homesickness can be brutal for both your son and for parents. As a parent it can feel like your heart is being ripped out in some cases daily. It is extremely hard hearing how sad your boy may sound on the phone, and then you are left reeling for 24 hours until the next call – you are often left worried that they are feeling like this all day. Rest assured only vary rare cases are that bad and in most cases it’s temporary and things usually improve as your son settles in. The reality is that…
Introducing Gabe Robbie, the new Head of Curriculum
I am excited to be joining the staff here at Toowoomba Grammar School in the role of Head of Curriculum. I grew up in a small coastal town in NSW and attended the University of Sydney to complete my undergraduate degree. Please don’t hold my NSW origin against me (Go Blues!). Teaching, and education, has always been a passion of mine and ever since I was in high school, the plan was to be a teacher. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a double degree in Education and Arts, majoring…
What Old Boys Have Contributed to TGS Over Time
The Old Boys’ Association has played an integral role in the history and tradition of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was formed on December 29, 1888, when 25 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys met at Long’s Imperial Hotel to create a new society. The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association rules were drawn up, and office-bearers elected. The inaugural president was Mr Joesph Vincent Herbert Esq. (TGS 1877-80) From there, the TGSOBA has grown significantly, ensuring that the Blue and Gold…
TGS Strength and Conditioning Program
Toowoomba Grammar School has a unique approach to athlete development that focuses on providing students with the skills, tools and mindset required to succeed in sports and life. At TGS, the long-term athlete development (LTAD) philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the School's approach to sport and fitness. The LTAD philosophy emphasises the importance of age-appropriate training and skill development over a long period of time. This approach recognises that athlete development is a…
We Knew Them Before They Were Stars
Our boys at Toowoomba Grammar School are fortunate that Performing Arts is as popular as sport and academics, thanks to our culture of respect and inclusivity. Boys are supported and encouraged to immerse themselves in music, drama and art and are not afraid to chase their dreams in these fields. The success of our performing arts students dates back decades, with our Old Boys performing all around the world in theatre, music, film and photography and are accomplished and well recognised in…
