STUDENTS from various schools are opening up about the growing issue of social media addiction, a problem that is now affecting the daily lives, health and academic performance of many young people.
With platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and Snapchat being part of everyday routines, students say the constant need to stay online is becoming unhealthy.
What used to be tools for connection and entertainment are now leading to issues such as insomnia, poor concentration, stress and even depression, according to student accounts.
Brianna LJ Doncillio, a Grade 8 student from Abellana National School (ANS), shared a deeply personal experience.
“Because of social media, especially TikTok, I went through a dark phase in life filled with loneliness, self-harm and emotional pain,” she said.
Doncillio described how personal, family and friendship issues made her isolate herself, finding comfort only in her diary. “My family eventually found out. Instead of forcing therapy, they gave me time to heal. With their support and prayer and through my faith, I slowly recovered,” she added.
To those going through the same struggles, she offered a message of hope: “You are loved. You are important. Healing is possible. Don’t be afraid to step out of the darkness.”
Experts agree that overusing social media can lead to mental health issues. Excessive screen time is linked to anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep patterns and relationship problems.
Athea Arellano, a high school student from ANS, emphasized how social media disrupts daily routines.
“When someone becomes too focused on social media, they stop studying and spend all their time on Facebook or watching reels,” she said. “They stay up late and sleep late, which leads to health problems like insomnia.”
Insomnia, a condition where a person has difficulty sleeping, is becoming more common among youth due to screen overexposure, according to reports.
Another student, Jhana Bacalso, shared her mixed feelings about the role of social media.
“Social media really has two effects for me,” she explained. “It helps us stay informed and can be useful for schoolwork, but there’s also a lot of scams and fake information. You can’t trust everything you see.”
Bacalso also mentioned how social media is changing household dynamics.
“Kids don’t help with chores anymore — they just keep playing games or scrolling. Even older people are being influenced by illegal gambling and inappropriate content. Many families are fighting because of it,” she said.
This concern was echoed by several students who say the problem isn’t just personal — it affects the whole family and community. They also say it’s becoming harder to break free, as most aspects of life now involve being online.
Despite these challenges, many believe that awareness and balance are key. Limiting screen time, taking regular breaks and focusing on real-life connections are some of the ways students are trying to cope.