Uyen Ly
Staff Writer
April 16, 2025
Schools nationwide are tightening cellphone restrictions as concerns grow over “brainrot,” a term used to describe the intellectual decline linked to excessive social media use. Platforms, like TikTok and Instagram, have exposed students to a constant stream of brainrot content, featuring absurd humor, nonsensical memes and inside jokes that spread rapidly. This originated back in 2020 and has continued to grow as more young adults are engaging with it.
CHS history teacher Mr. Foley has his fair share of opinions on brain rot.
“I think it is a very real thing," said Foley. "I think someday we're going to look back at phones and social media and we're going to put it in the same category as cigarettes when they were telling us cigarettes weren't a problem.”
CHS faculty have reported that students increasingly struggle with focus, engagement and critical thinking, which attribute to the overstimulation caused by constant digital screen time.
Mr. Foley expressed concerns over digital media.
“It has impacted their mental health," said Foley. "It has impacted their focus. I think the biggest problem with the cell phone usage has been the unwillingness or the not wanting to focus on other things because that is such an addictive situation.”
In response, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has opted not to impose bans. However, they’ve encouraged school districts to implement their own regulations. Currently, Catasauqua High School has not indicated any plans to change current policies.
Students argue that their devices are essential for social connection and mental breaks, but educators stress the need to address the growing dependence on devices.