Hot Take: Children shouldn’t have access to social media like TikTok

Adele: Between fourth and seventh grade, the majority of children get handed their first phone. They’re introduced to a new world of social media, exposed to a wide range of content. Apps that were meant to share stories, allow creative expression, and form or strengthen relationships actually have done the exact opposite, creating both psychological and physical negative effects. Cameras are set up and filmed at every angle, depicting the “perfect” life. These videos are often exaggerated to appear better than what life actually is. Viewing this as a child or teenager is harmful. It sets up individuals for unrealistic expectations of the future. If these unreachable standards aren’t met, people can feel less than and will reach for a goal that will never be met. 

Zosia: Although many social media apps allow users to freely exaggerate or alter content, there are growing trends that push towards good mental health and positive self-image. Social media also presents the opportunity to participate in a variety of communities and groups. Many children and teens who may experience bullying in school can turn to their social media communities that understand their hobbies and interests to feel more accepted. Young people can end up falling down rabbit holes that may harm their well-being, but there are undoubtedly positive aspects. Children can discover new hobbies through others sharing their very interests. 

Adele: Children are easily influenced. While their brains are still developing, and their identities have not yet been formed, kids want to copy whoever is taking a leading role in their life. While being given a phone or an iPad to occupy their time, children consume content meant for adults. The videos these content creators are making want viewers to fall into consumption, often having some sort of incentive for promoting certain products. In turn, children beg their parents for things they don’t need including; specific clothing brands, the best brand of technology, or the newest trending item. Children who don’t have technology or social media get looped into being an outcast. 

Zosia: Exposing children to content that may be intended for adults is a legitimate concern, but there are alternatives for children. Youtube Kids, for example, allows children to access the same format of videos, but filters out any content that may be intended for adults or won’t interest child viewers. Many social media apps allow for content filters, which lead to only certain creators or types of content being shared. Children and teens also rely on social media for everyday communication, which means that a ban of social media for all minors could potentially result in increased isolation and less interpersonal communication.
Adele: Humans, especially growing adolescents, need to experience boredom. Boredom allows creative expression and develops an individual’s character. Social media offers bright, flashy colors and 2x speed face paced videos within 15 seconds, immediately overstimulating its audience just to keep them entertained. Students lack focus in class and get antsy very easily in comparison to previous years. Trends last for short periods of time but end up gaining a large amount of followers. Being seen as different or out of the ordinary is something odd. Sending this message to easily impressionable children and young adults only stunts their personal growth.

Do you have a Hot Take? Inspired by the hit short-form show SubwayTakes hosted by comedian Kareem Rahma, this new brand-new column will offer a space for some open dialogue about a topic you’re particularly passionate about. Similarly to the show itself, if you are someone with a hot take, please message Zosia @ bowluk9777@oshkosh.k12.wi.us and see if you can get on the same page. 

The take must be original and should be something you’re eager to speak on; this makes for the best and most interesting argument. 

Of course the objective of this column is to be a light hearted space to voice a fun conviction, and although any topic is up for discussion, talking points shouldn’t incite violence, inspire hate speech, or instill fear. 

by Zosia Bowlus-Jasinski

Published March 20, 2026

Oshkosh West Index Volume 122 Issue VI