TikTok, the social media app famous for its short, entertaining videos, has become a major part of teenage life. However, while it may seem like harmless fun, many believe that TikTok can have a negative impact on teens’ mental health, productivity, and safety. Concerns have grown so much that some lawmakers have even pushed for a nationwide ban on the app to reduce these negative impacts.  

   Many teenagers spend hours scrolling through TikTok, sometimes without even realizing how much time has passed. According to a 2023 survey by Common Sense Media, teens spend an average of 2 hours per day on TikTok alone. This amount of screen time can lead to poor sleep, lower grades, and less real-world social interaction.  

   “I honestly spend a good chunk of my time scrolling through TikTok unless I am at school,” Sophomore Judeen Leiba said.

   Beyond just wasting time, TikTok can also harm mental health. Studies show that social media apps, including TikTok, contribute to increased anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among teens. A 2022 report by the Pew Research Center found that 64% of teens say they often come across harmful content on social media, such as unrealistic beauty standards or dangerous challenges.  

   One of the most alarming dangers of TikTok is the spread of harmful trends. From risky “challenges” that encourage dangerous behavior to the rapid spread of misinformation, TikTok can influence teens in ways they might not even realize. For example, the “Blackout Challenge,” which encouraged users to hold their breath until they passed out, was linked to several teen deaths. 

   Due to these concerns, the U.S. government has been considering a nationwide ban on TikTok. Lawmakers worry that TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, could pose national security risks. While, as of recently, the app did get banned and was taken off the app store so that any possible new users would not be able to access it on their phones, TikTok was banned for 12 hours. The new President, Donald Trump, signed an executive order, which halted the ban for 75 days (about 2 and a half months).  Many believe that banning TikTok would protect teens from harmful content and privacy risks, but others argue that it would limit freedom of expression.  

   “For those couple of hours TikTok was gone, I was more productive, and I was able to actually get some work I had to get done quickly without having TikTok as a distraction.” Sophomore Sakina Rizvi said.