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
The Transition to Secondary School
Research shows us that the move from a primary school to a secondary school is one of the most significant life changes that our young men will face. You can help make the transition to Senior School smoother by ensuring that the boys attend the orientation days, practice packing their bags and getting their sports, music, and activities equipment ready. When asked about tips for the boys coming into Year 7, current Year 7 dayboy, Ollie Wells suggests boys should “Be organised. Pack the night…
Nothing is Impossible
Toowoomba Grammar School's Year 7C English has been studying 'Cool Runnings' to learn about how stories or movies based on real life aren't always completely true. Extremely fascinated by the topic, young student Harry Ryan took it upon himself to message (via LinkedIn) the bobsled driver, Mr Dudley Stokes - he responded! After a little communication between the two, Harry asked Mr Stokes if he could FaceTime him during an English lesson, to 'meet' his teacher Mr Paul Irwin and classmates…
Simple Acts of Kindness
Giving back to the community is an important value that Toowoomba Grammar School endeavours to instill in our boys. Year 12 student, Tumoana Strugnell is a shining example of how it costs nothing but our time to help others, especially as we move into the Festive season and the challenges of life seem heightened. I first became involved in community service when I was in Year 6, through my local primary school’s involvement on ANZAC Day and my parent’s involvement in local community events. I’m…
A Holistic Approach to our Boarders' Activities Program
A true education is about much more than just lessons in a classroom. It’s about providing experiences that challenge a child, physically and mentally. It’s about providing opportunities that build independence, resilience and that help develop their good character. Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to offer a broad and liberal education that stretches way beyond the walls of a classroom and equips our boys with the skills to flourish as an individual. We offer a diverse and engaging…
A Beginner's Guide to Manga
If your son has brought home a book with big eyed characters, and he seems to be reading backwards, chances are, he's discovered Manga. The Dent library has a Manga collection that would be the envy of many schools, with over 100 unique titles. It Is easily the most visited section in the library, over half of the top 100 titles borrowed this year are Manga! But what is Manga? Manga is an umbrella term for a variety of print comics and graphic novels originating from Japan. Unlike western…
A Safe, Welcoming and Joyous Community
Tell us about yourself My background, at least that associated with boarding and teaching, is long and varied with a number of different aspects leading to this chosen career path. For the most part, I was schooled in Canberra but had extended periods in Lesotho, Norfolk Island, and Samoa as a result of my father’s work in foreign aid. My schooling was quite disruptive, and I wasn’t a model student! I was always passionate about English; often distracting myself (amongst other things) immersed…
Facilitating Respect
Recently the 2022 TGS Prefect group spoke at the Headmaster’s Assembly about respecting individuality. But what does this mean? The foundations for a successful relationship with peers, family, co-workers, and others is framed and supported by a two-way street of respect. However, for this two-way street to be functional it is important to know that respect cannot be demanded, it can only be earned. Toowoomba Grammar School is no different and respect is nurtured in various forms such as in the…
The Benefits of Early Learning at TGS
Making a decision about our children’s education can be difficult; especially when there are so many options available. Once upon a time parents simply sent their children to the school that was a walkable distance from home. Much research has evolved since the early 1900s about what is best for our children to foster a love of learning and feel confident and safe in the classroom. Here at Toowoomba Grammar School, we take this very seriously. Pastoral care comes before anything else; we see…
Outside of the Text Book
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” — Ludwig Wittgenstein There is no denying that learning a foreign language can sometimes be a challenging experience, particularly with limited opportunity to practise outside the classroom. However, learning a language is a skill that will add to many facets of your life, often without you even realising, and as part of a well-rounded education, the value of language learning cannot be underestimated. "A different language is a…
