My daughter is ten years old and insists that I download TikTok, previously known as Musical.ly, on my phone so she can create amusing lip-sync videos. “Everyone has it!” she complains, even kids with parents in serious professions. Reluctantly, I install the app while she’s at school, only to find that I can’t explore it without a user account. After a brief stint with the name Chardonaynay47, I settle for something less embarrassing: gummibear9.
My experience can be summed up in one word: “Nope.” TikTok appears harmless at first glance—just children making music videos. However, it is much more than that; it is a platform filled with user-uploaded content from millions, allowing live streaming. It was during one of these live streams that I first stumbled upon explicit content. A naked man, streaming without any shame, left me horrified.
Surely, kids will see such things eventually, right? Shouldn’t we just let them get used to it? Friends who think I’m overreacting recommend making my daughter’s account private to keep potential predators away, but that’s not my primary concern. Imagine for a moment that you could make your child invisible and leave them in a warehouse filled with unknown individuals. Would you drop them off without knowing who was inside?
Most parents are cautious about what their children are exposed to. Making an account private might protect them from some dangers, but it doesn’t erase their presence or the things they might absorb.
The internet is a vast marketplace of ideas and images, some benign, others deeply disturbing. Children are not equipped to navigate this world alone; their brains are still developing, making them impulsive and prone to poor decisions. We wouldn’t trust a sixth grader to manage their online identity responsibly, so why would we allow them unfettered access to social media?
TikTok can be more than just a platform for innocent fun; it can also expose kids to sexual objectification. Young users, some as young as eight, often feel pressured to portray themselves in a sexualized manner to gain followers. Those who don’t meet these standards face ridicule in the comment sections. Many of these children end up featured in “cringe compilation” videos on YouTube, which can amass millions of views. It’s heartbreaking to witness such exploitation.
There’s also the use of coded language that slips past TikTok’s filters. Kids use hashtags like “thot,” which stands for “That Ho Over There,” and “fgirl,” which can lead to content filled with sexual themes. I encountered a young boy with a username so explicit that it was shocking.
Even darker content exists, such as videos promoting self-harm, suicide, and violence. I saw disturbing clips that showed children in distressing situations, including bloody injuries. These hashtags create portals into a world that is far from innocent.
Despite the attempts of some children to support each other through difficult times, the reality is that young kids should not be dealing with such heavy issues. They should be enjoying their childhood—playing outside, engaging in creative projects, and bonding with family, rather than trying to save each other from despair.
Am I being overly dramatic? I encourage you to immerse yourself in these hashtags. Spend time understanding the world of #fgirl and #cutting to grasp the true nature of what kids are exposed to.
Many parents are unaware of the content their children are viewing or posting. Take Dylan Klebold, one of the Columbine shooters; his parents thought they knew him well, as he was well-liked and came from a supportive family. The lesson here is that we often don’t know our kids as deeply as we believe.
The adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to external influences. As they navigate their social media presence, it’s crucial to consider the implications of their online activities. How much time is your child spending on screens? The average for 8 to 12-year-olds is four hours a day, while teenagers spend even more.
By not allowing children the time to explore their own imaginations and the world around them, they may struggle to form a healthy sense of self. An online identity often equates to commodified self-worth based on likes and followers. This can foster an unhealthy mindset where children feel inadequate compared to their peers.
The impact of social media can be detrimental to mental health, especially for young girls who struggle with body image issues. As Frances Jensen from the University of Pennsylvania states, social media can act as an accelerant, turning mild adolescent angst into something more intense.
It’s time for change. Perhaps if influential figures like Bill and Melinda Gates took notice, they could incentivize healthier childhood experiences. Imagine if kids who stayed off social media until they turn 16 received a financial reward—it could be a game-changer.
In conclusion, the dangers of TikTok and similar platforms are real and warrant serious consideration. The online world can be a dark place for children, and as parents, we must be vigilant in protecting their innocence while guiding them through the complexities of growing up in a digitally connected age.
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Summary: TikTok poses significant risks to children, exposing them to sexual objectification, harmful content, and peer pressure, which can impact their mental health. Parents must be proactive in understanding and monitoring their children’s online activities to protect their well-being.