Opinion essay

Almost every teenager I know has at least two social media accounts. Although these platforms have some advantages, I partly agree that they do more harm than good.

On the one hand, social media can be useful. They allow young people to keep in touch with friends who live far away, to discover new music or hobbies and even to organise campaigns for causes they care about.

On the other hand, the disadvantages are serious. Many teenagers spend hours scrolling every night instead of sleeping or studying, and the constant comparison with perfect photos can damage their self-esteem. Moreover, cyberbullying spreads faster than ever, because a cruel comment can be seen by hundreds of people in minutes.

In my view, the problem is not the apps themselves but the way we use them. If teenagers learnt to limit their screen time and to think critically about what they see, social media could become a positive tool. Until then, I believe the risks are greater than the benefits.

In recent years, several schools have decided to ban mobile phones completely, and in my opinion this is a sensible decision, although it should be applied carefully.

First of all, phones are a constant distraction. Even when they are silent, many students check them every few minutes, so it is difficult to concentrate on explanations or to work in groups. Without them, lessons are calmer and more productive.

Secondly, a ban could improve relationships between students. During breaks, teenagers who are staring at a screen hardly talk to each other. Without phones, they are more likely to play, chat or simply get to know classmates they would normally ignore.

On the other hand, some people argue that phones are useful tools for learning or for contacting families. However, schools already have computers and telephones for these purposes.

To sum up, I believe that banning phones during the school day is positive, as long as students can still use them in an emergency.

Nowadays, more and more young people buy second-hand clothes. Although I think this habit is positive, I do not agree that it is the best way to help the environment.

On the one hand, buying used clothes clearly reduces waste. Every jacket that is worn again is one that a factory does not need to produce, which saves water and energy. It is also cheaper, so students can dress well without spending much money.

On the other hand, second-hand shopping alone is not enough. If people sell their clothes only to buy new ones, the total amount of consumption does not fall. Moreover, young people can help the planet in many other ways, such as using public transport, eating less meat or saving energy at home, and these changes often have a greater impact.

In conclusion, buying second-hand is a good step, but the most effective solution is to consume less in general. Repairing and sharing clothes should become as normal as buying them.