When TikTok first emerged, it seemed harmless and even charming. My 11-year-old daughter was among the last in our community to download the app, and it was delightful to observe her learning new dance moves. I thought, what could possibly be wrong with this? It’s entertaining, creative, and at least she was being active instead of just sitting on the couch. We bonded over her teaching me some of the routines, and it felt like a fun experience.
However, after spending some time on the app as her, following her friends, I’ve grown increasingly concerned about the potential effects TikTok might have on my child and others. I use “might” cautiously, as I’m convinced that this app will influence all kids in various ways.
What I’ve Uncovered
Many parents may not realize that their children are posting videos featuring explicit language or themes that are far from age-appropriate. Would you be shocked to discover your daughter lip-syncing to songs containing offensive words? Or worse, posting content that discusses inappropriate subjects? Unfortunately, I’ve encountered several examples of this.
The kids often don’t grasp the implications of their posts. One particularly alarming example was a trend called “Skanky Fishy,” where kids joked about having health issues that they clearly don’t understand. It’s disturbing that they might post about such sensitive topics without realizing the seriousness behind them.
Then there are the “friend group” posts that appear innocent enough, but what if your child finds out they aren’t included? Seeing multiple versions of similar videos could be devastating, especially for kids still figuring out their social dynamics. The “What about me?” comments can be crushing, and for those feeling insecure about friendships, these posts can exacerbate feelings of isolation and inadequacy.
Another issue is the concept of “best friends.” Kids seem to throw around the term so casually that it dilutes its meaning. What does it teach them when every new acquaintance is labeled a “best friend”? This sets them up for disappointment and emotional turmoil in the future. Additionally, openly listing best friends in posts can be hurtful and promote cliques, which is far from kind.
Safety Concerns
Many children share their daily lives on TikTok, raising safety concerns, especially if their profiles are public. Are they seeking approval through likes and followers, or simply bored? The reality is that even private accounts can attract strangers, which is alarming. Do you know who your child is connected to online? Names like “skatergirl123” or “coolkid99” may not inspire confidence.
Moreover, the app can lead to issues like spam messages. Just last week, my daughter got alerts regarding a “cool list,” which turned out to be a scam. It’s easy to see how kids could mistakenly believe such things are real, leading to unnecessary stress.
And we can’t ignore the more adult-themed content that might slip through the cracks. Parents, ensure your children’s profiles are set to private, and keep an eye on their followers and followed accounts. You may be shocked by what you find.
Managing Expectations
We must also teach kids that not every invitation will include them. They won’t be part of every gathering or event, which is a hard truth they will all face. However, with TikTok, kids can easily see who is hanging out together, fueling feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) that even adults struggle to manage.
If you haven’t started planning for your child’s mental health needs (and your own), it might be time to do so. The anxiety and social pressures stemming from platforms like TikTok are palpable. Eliminating the app isn’t the answer, as new ones will inevitably emerge. Instead, it’s crucial for us as parents to engage with our children, teaching them about self-control, empathy, and the impacts their posts can have on others.
Resources for Parents
For more information on navigating social media risks and their effects, visit this resource. It’s vital to stay informed on how to keep our kids safe online. Additionally, this article offers valuable insights on maintaining mental well-being in this digital age, while this site is a fantastic resource for pregnancy and home insemination topics.
In summary, TikTok may seem like just another fun app, but it’s essential for parents to be aware of the underlying risks and pressures it can impose on children. Fostering open communication and understanding the digital landscape is critical for our kids’ emotional health.