At first glance, TikTok appeared to be a harmless source of entertainment. My 11-year-old daughter was among the last in our neighborhood to download the app, and I enjoyed watching her learn and perfect various dance routines. It seemed innocent enough—fun, creative, and at least she was being active while using her phone. Our playdates became more enjoyable as she taught me the latest moves, often at my expense.
However, after spending some time on the app, logging in as her and following her friends, I’m genuinely concerned about the impact TikTok may have on my child and yours. I use “may” cautiously, but I believe the effects will be felt by all children who engage with the platform.
Content Awareness
Let me share some insights I’ve gathered. Many parents are unaware of the content their children are consuming and sharing. Would it shock you to learn that your daughter might be dancing to songs that include explicit language and derogatory terms? Imagine the horror if she posted something graphic or inappropriate without fully understanding the implications.
Emotional Impact of Social Media
One particularly troubling trend is the “my besties” posts. While these may seem innocent, what happens when a child discovers they’re not included in a friend group they thought they belonged to? The emotional fallout from such revelations can be devastating, especially for those still navigating the complexities of friendships at a young age.
Moreover, your child might document their entire day on TikTok. Beyond the safety risks of public accounts or unknown followers, it raises questions about their motivations. Are they seeking validation through likes and followers, or simply bored?
Stranger Danger and Anxiety
Many children have a following that includes strangers, even with private accounts. Have you seen the usernames of some of their “friends”? They often don’t correspond with anyone from school. This disconnect can lead to confusion and anxiety, especially if they receive spam messages that mislead them about their social standing.
Concerns also include the potential exposure to inappropriate content. It’s crucial for parents to ensure their child’s profiles are private and to monitor who they interact with online.
Teaching Resilience
It’s essential to teach kids early on that they won’t always be included. They will face situations where they are not invited to parties or gatherings, and they need to learn to cope with these realities. Unfortunately, TikTok enables a culture of FOMO (fear of missing out) that can be overwhelming for pre-teens and tweens, leading to anxiety that no adult could easily manage.
Active Parenting
If you haven’t already, consider setting aside resources for your child’s mental health in the future. The pressure and insecurities amplified by apps like TikTok are real. The answer isn’t to eliminate the app—there will always be new platforms—but rather to engage in active parenting. Discuss self-control, empathy, and the potential impact of their online behavior on others. For more insights on this crucial topic, you can check out another of our blog posts here.
Conclusion
In summary, while TikTok may offer entertainment, it also poses numerous risks that require careful consideration from parents. Open dialogues about online safety, emotional well-being, and the nature of friendships can help mitigate some of the negative impacts of social media on our children.