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...