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
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…
Country Roads Take Me Home
Toowoomba Grammar School boarding provides the ideal living environment for our boys while they develop the values that will define their character. Throughout the course of this year, I have been privileged to visit many of the towns and properties that our TGS boarders call home. When walking around those towns wearing a shirt with a TGS crest, it doesn’t take long to meet an Old Boy or to be asked about one of the boarders currently at the School. Our boarding staff pride themselves on…
TGS Corfe House - A Home for Young Boarders
In Toowoomba Grammar School’s Boarding Program, Years 5 to 7 students reside at Corfe House – a nurturing environment providing close pastoral support and guidance to the School’s youngest boarders. The skills, relationships and perspectives that boys develop here set them up for the rest of their boarding and school journey. Toowoomba Grammar School understands the challenges for young students transitioning into boarding. Leading the way in creating a ‘home away from home’ is the Corfe House…
TGS Mates Program - Character Building Education
Current research into character education has shown that educators should not be focusing solely on preparing students for their Year 12 final exams but should be supporting them to become humans who exhibit good character and virtues to contribute to creating a healthier society (The Jubilee Centre, 2022). The Jubilee Centre, which is attached to the University of Birmingham in the UK, maintains that good character is the foundation for improved attainment, better behaviour, increased…
Our TGS Old Boys' Wall of Achievement
The next time you visit the School grounds, pause for a moment at the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Wall of Achievement. This concept was the initiative of the then Deputy Headmaster, Mr Roger Buttenshaw, and was supported by the Board of Trustees, Headmasters Mr Hugh Rose and Mr Peter Hauser, and the TGSOBA - Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Association. The opening of the Wall of Achievement took place in 2003. Thousands of TGS Old Boys have gone on to lead productive and valuable…
