It’s popular, exciting, creative and entertaining – but it can also be dangerous.
Both of these are apt descriptions of TikTok , the video-making and sharing social network that has become popular among teenagers and helps people connect during this isolating time. TikTok is both a blessing and a curse, and it’s not so much the app itself that’s to blame, but rather the way kids use it.
Risky child behaviors that have been making the news lately include the familiar viral challenges. A secondary risk is that underage TikTok users are circumventing age restrictions to use the app , putting them at risk. In 2020, TikTok found that one-third of its 49 million daily users in the U.S. are under the age of 14.
In a Cyberwise webinar, Parentology Editor-in-Chief Rick Andreoli and Media Psychology Research Center Director Pamela Rutledge explained the dangers of these modern challenges (watch the full video here ). Here are some of the challenges parents should be aware of:
Popular TikTok Challenges
The Blackout Challenge is relatively new to TikTok but is a staple in the world of online challenges, in which users livestream themselves holding their breath and losing consciousness. A tragic death occurred during the challenge , reported Newsweek , when a 10-year-old TikTok user died , sparking an outcry to ban TikTok from users who cannot verify their age .
The Sexy Silhouette Challenge is a perennially popular TikTok challenge that asks users to upload sexy videos using Snapchat filters to accentuate the contours of their bodies.
The problem is, videos have emerged that teach people how to remove the filter and reveal the poster’s true identity.
Skullbreaker /Trip Jump Challenge: This challenge has been done in many different ways on TikTok, but the most common is a group of three friends standing side-by-side. The video starts with everyone jumping or dancing in a pre-determined way. The other two then trip the targeted person, knocking them face-first into the ground or falling backwards. This challenge has resulted in ambulances being called in some cases.
The Penny Challenge, which involves dropping a coin into a partially plugged-in phone charger, has led to public warnings from fire officials because it’s so dangerous, it’s a competition to see who can create the biggest sparks and flames.
Coronavirus Challenge. This challenge fortunately did not make much of an impact, even before it was banned on TikTok . Started by a few “influencers”, the challenge encourages TikTok users to post videos of themselves licking public objects (toilets, grocery store items, etc.) in an effort to combat coronavirus.
Basics for staying safe on TikTok
- Add monitoring apps and parental controls. TikTok advises parents to “monitor their underage children’s internet usage, including apps downloaded .” They also say that ” Because TikTok is intended for an audience 13 and older…you can easily block the app using filtering features on your child’s phone or other device” (and they’re right).
- Observe TikTok’s age restrictions and consider your options. Children may see age restrictions as just a silly rule that stops them from having fun. Therefore, it is important to talk to your children about the real dangers and why age restrictions are necessary. Also consider TikTok’s connection options designed for younger users. For example, TikTok has an “Under 13” section that limits access to mature content. Another option is to open a TikTok account that parents and children jointly manage, using Family Safety Mode. That way, you can teach your young children how to use the app safely and where the dangers lie.
- Adjust your settings. Talk to your kids about keeping their accounts private (and then periodically check in to make sure it’s still private). To make your account private, change the scope of comments, duets, reactions and messages from “everyone” to “friends.”
- Create a TikTok account. To understand TikTok culture, it is helpful for parents to create their own account and explore it. Let your children know about your account, but don’t follow them or comment on their posts. Stay out of their community. Creating a personal account allows you to monitor video content, friend groups, and comments to spot cyberbullying and other problems. Understanding TikTok’s content and details will allow you to talk to your children if necessary. Let them know there is a place to report any issues they may be having.
A final word of advice for parents: don’t think that your child will never do stupid things online. Even smart kids can make unwise decisions if they are swayed by influencers, likes, and comments. We often forget that adolescence is a constant battle between reason and the budding ego, which means emotions can suddenly take over wisdom. By being involved in your child’s digital world, you can have a positive influence on them and guide them in the right direction when they need help.
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