
A new addiction has surged among our generation; subtle, silent, yet dangerous. TikTok, an app known for its popularity and addictive nature among students at The Columbus School. This app, first an entertainment source, has turned into a disturbance that messes with meals, bed, and study hours. Doctors have delved into the phenomenon and expressed their concerns due to all the harmful results that it has on mental health, time management, and academic performance.
“TikTok can keep you hooked without you realizing for hours. Many students lose a whole evening after beginning with a few videos,” Vicente Lopez, eighth-grade student, said
The app’s nonstop stream of small, entertaining films has been both an exit and a failure for students. Most users state that TikTok makes their study time almost impossible.
“I believe it’s a stress-reduction strategy, but it turns into a vicious cycle, you waste hours and then worry even more about unfinished work.” Juliana Marin, a senior, explained.
The Columbus School is working to address this by raising awareness about digital mental health. They are working on initiatives like banning phone usage during school hours and blocking Wi-Fi netwroks to restore students’ control over time management.
“I know for a fact this app will end up as a repentance once we mature,” Senior, Maia Gallon said.
Despite the challenges, some children have started to take steps to balance their screen time with their responsibilities. Tools like scheduled gadget breaks and app usage measuring are helping them focus again.
“I’ve got started setting time limits on TikTok, and it’s been a huge help. “I have time for other things now, but I still enjoy it,” Lopez said.
Through these initiatives, the school community seeks to promote a culture of thoughtful digital use and emphasize the value of putting academic and personal development first.
“it’s not just about cutting down screen time—it’s about teaching students to manage their time and make healthier choices.” Gallon said.
By educating and providing practical solutions, The Columbus School is taking action to guarantee that students may use technology appropriately while concentrating on their academic and personal goals.