Features

What Mr. Schmidt thinks about the TikTok ban

Inaya A. and Effa Durrani

January 29, 2025

Mr. Schmidt doing bathroom duty.

Griffin Schmidt is a sixth grade teacher at Iselin Middle School. Schmidt has been teaching sixth grade American history for four years now. He started teaching at 21 years old, after graduating from Rowan University. Schmidt used to substitute at JFK high school before getting a permanent teaching job at IMS. Schmidt’s dream job was to be a mechanic. In this interview the Panther Press will get his opinion about TikTok’s ban.

Panther Press: How do you feel about TikTok banning?

Mr.Schmidt: I think it’s probably a good thing.

Panther Press: Are you going to use another app similar to TikTok?

Mr.Schmidt: I wasn’t really big into TikTok, I always preferred Instagram Reels or YouTube shorts.

Panther Press: Do you want TikTok to be banned? Why or why not?

Mr.Schmidt: Yes I do, I think TikTok shortens the attention span and it’s addicting.

Panther Press: What was your reaction to TikTok banning?

Mr.Schmidt: I thought it was a good thing and thought it would stay permanent, but clearly not.

Panther Press: How did you feel when the TikTok ban was announced?

Mr.Schmidt: I felt happiness.

Panther Press: How did you react to TikTok unbanning?

Mr.Schmidt: I wasn’t surprised and I knew that the ban was temporary.

Panther Press: Do you think TikTok should be banned or unbanned? Why?

Mr.Schmidt: I think TikTok should stay banned unless they sell it to an American Company.

Panther Press: Do you recommend using TikTok? Why or why not?

Mr.Schmidt: Absolutely not. I think it promotes brain rot and lowers your attention span.

Panther Press: What other app would you consider recommending instead of TikTok?

Mr.Schmidt: I’d recommend using YouTube and Instagram for entertainment.

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About the Contributors

Inaya A., Reporter

Inaya A. is a 12 year old student in 6th grade here at Iselin Middle School. She was born on November 13, 2012. She lives with her parents and her 2 younger brothers. Inaya was born in Iselin, NJ and one thing she’d like to work for when she’s older is in the army. One of her biggest accomplishments is learning how to be responsible. Some of Inaya’s favorite hobbies are crafting, reading, relaxing in bed, and drawing. She loves playing with her Galah Cockatoo, rose and her German Shepherd Kyro. She loves making little crafts and she loves nature very much. Her favorite book is “Wings Of Fire” and her favorite type of relaxation is sleep.

Effa Durrani, Reporter

Effa Durrani is a sixth grade student at IMS. She lives in Woodbridge with her parents and 3 siblings, Aneeqa, Muhammad, and Bahlul. Durrani grew up in Pakistan where the rest of her family still lives. Durrani’s hobbies include listening to music and coloring, along with watching the moon and the rest of the sky late at night. She loves taking pictures of sunsets, and playing badminton sometimes. She likes adventures, and amusement parks. Durrani likes finding new movies and shows to watch.