Student Wellbeing
Dangerous and Harmful TikTok Trends to Talk About with Your Children
Your child's physical age, level of maturity and resilience can affect their ability to have positive experiences on social media. Each social media site and app has its own criteria for minimum age requirements. Most require users to be at least 13 years of age before registering, although some sites are created especially for children under 13.
Millions of people view TikTok videos, and viral trends emerge. There’s no denying that the app provides easily accessible videos that are often catchy and funny, but many are also dangerous. Trends can be posted on social media apps and then copied and placed on
YouTube exposing young people to videos and images not intended for their age.
Never assume a child will not try a TikTok challenge.
Some challenges such as dancing and lip-syncing are fun to engage in. However, all kids are susceptible to engaging in risky behaviour. Part of normal development for a young person includes learning to control impulsivity, peer pressure, and a desire to keep up with friends no matter the cost.
Some TikTok challenges are more than just harmful they are dangerous. Any child is at risk of participating in TikTok trends whether or not they have access to TikTok. Even if our children don’t have access to TikTok, they will likely hear about it at school or from friends and then search for this trend on Google. Discussing and guiding children through the dangers and possible outcomes of these challenges may support them in thinking for themselves before they accept a challenge.
Finding the right balance about how much to supervise your child’s online activity will depend on your family’s culture and the individual needs of your child. Be prepared for your child to need more support from you at particular times, and to resist your support at other times. Eventually, they will be ready to explore on their own – but keep the lines of communication open so they can come to you with any concerns they may have.
To find out more about online safety and social media follow the link below:
Lisa
Deputy Principal & Wellbeing Leader
lisa.heath@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au
Jess
Deputy Principal & Learning Diversity Leader