About 40% of 12-17 year olds use social media and/or have registered accounts? That’s a

significant 9% increase from 2019, according to the National Library of Medicine. TikTok, one

of the fastest growing social media platforms, has amassed well over 68.2% registered users.

That number is expected to increase due to the rise of curiosity among these young minds.

TikTok is a place that fosters a sense of belonging, but it also promotes harmful trends such as

the ‘devious lick’ and ‘ding-dong-ditch’ to kids who are influenced by petulant behavior. The use

of social media has sparked a debate amongst communities, particularly in Alief Early College

High School.

“I believe it depends on what you started looking at initially on social media,” Substitute teacher

Mr. Lindsey from Alief Early College said.

Because of the increase in social media users among 12-17 year olds, there have been many

concerns within the school when it comes to how students are choosing to spend their time.

“Teachers may believe that social media is bad because all we see is students looking at things

that are pointless and meaningless,” Lindsey said. “But if you would watch things like college

tips, it would be tailored into your academics and would allow you to advance yourself and move

forward.”

Students at Alief Early College High School aren't so keen on this stance, however. Freshman

Kaithlyn Guzman said that teachers don't understand the positive effects it has on people her age.

“It helps us connect and socially interact with other people,” Kaithlyn said. “Teachers don’t

understand.”

Another freshman, Alejandro Barajas, also agrees that social media has its beneficial effects on

the students because it allows him to make new friends and socially connect.

“Social media shows all types of videos and helps see different environments,” said Barajas.

“Depending on the videos you see, it can shape how you socially interact with others positively.”

The mixed opinions on the use of social media will not stop students from using it, for it enables

students to build connections.

“ I understand that teachers think we can get irresponsible with it,” said Barajas. “I think it gives

us the chance to fit in and build strong relationships with our peers inside and outside of school.”