My daughter is ten years old and has been begging me to download TikTok (previously known as Musical.ly) so she can create her own lip-sync videos. “Everyone has it!” she insists, even that kid whose mom is a social worker and a nun. Well, that’s compelling enough for me to give it a try. I download the app while she’s at school, but I find I can’t explore without creating an account. After a brief struggle, I settle on a username that’s less embarrassing than my first choice, gummibear9.
One word sums up my experience: Never am I letting my kid get this app.
At first glance, TikTok appears harmless—it’s just kids making music videos. But it’s much more than that. It’s a platform where millions upload content, many of whom can also livestream. It was during one of these streams that I first stumbled upon explicit material—a naked man, broadcasting himself. The reality is that kids are going to encounter such content one way or another. So why not let them dive into it headfirst? We might as well hand them a drink while we’re at it. After all, if they can use a potty, they can handle the internet, right?
Friends who think I’m overreacting suggest I make my child’s account private to protect her from predators. But that isn’t my primary concern. Imagine dropping your invisible child off at an unknown warehouse. You can’t see who’s inside, but your child can see and hear everything going on. Would you do it? Most parents wouldn’t.
Even if her account is private, she’s still soaking in everything around her. Imagine her asking, “Where can I find videos of cartoon bears and vampires?” The response would be, “Aisle 19, section B.” Social media is like Costco for the imagination—filled with endless, often disturbing content.
I know some parents believe they can shield their children with parental controls, but unfortunately, those controls can’t protect against the harsh realities of social media. Just ask the parents of Gabbie Green, a 12-year-old who tragically took her own life after being bullied online. Platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram don’t have the same parental oversight, and often, kids are left to navigate these waters alone.
Do you want your child to have 24/7 access to others? I certainly don’t want that kind of access for my child. Tweens and teens have immature brains that are prone to impulsivity and poor decision-making. They can be cruel, and they lack the skills to manage conflicts. It’s alarming that we’re allowing them to express themselves publicly when many of them are still figuring out basic self-care.
Let’s return to TikTok. The explicit content is distressing, but what’s more concerning is the way some children, as young as eight, begin to objectify themselves. Those who conform to societal beauty standards gain followers, while others face ridicule and harsh comments. The “TikTok Cringe Compilation” videos on YouTube, which mock these kids, can garner millions of views. It breaks my heart for these children and for all the others who witness such negativity.
Beyond the surface, there’s a dark underbelly of coded language that slips through TikTok’s filters. Kids use hashtags like “thot,” “fgirl,” and other terms that are both alarming and ever-evolving. I even came across a young boy who had a username that was shockingly graphic. It’s unsettling to think about 9-year-olds engaging with such explicit content.
Moreover, TikTok hosts #killingstalking videos that depict violent scenarios and #selfharm posts that show children grappling with suicidal ideation. The imagery is deeply disturbing, and I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of videos glamorizing self-harm, with hashtags like #cutting and #proana. It’s a gateway into a world full of negativity, where young minds are exposed to darkness instead of creativity.
Kids even try to lift each other up in these toxic environments, which might initially seem sweet but is ultimately misguided. For instance, I saw a comment beneath a suicide-themed video: “You are beautiful, please don’t kill yourself. I’m only 10, but I’ll be your friend.” This isn’t how childhood should be spent. Children should be engaged in wholesome activities—like riding bikes, creating art, and enjoying childhood—rather than being burdened with the weight of others’ suffering.
Am I overreacting? I invite you to delve into the world of TikTok and see for yourself. Spend time exploring hashtags like #fgirl and #cutting. You’ll quickly realize the content is not just fleeting; it leaves a lasting impact. Many parents are unaware of what their children post or view online. Look at the tragic case of Dylan Klebold, one of the Columbine shooters. His parents had no idea of the struggles he faced. They were loving and attentive, yet they didn’t truly understand his inner turmoil.
The reality is that we often don’t know our children as well as we think we do. The adolescent brain, still developing, is particularly vulnerable to the influences of social media. What they absorb can shape their self-image and mental health in profound ways.
So, how much time does your child spend on screens? Research shows that 8 to 12-year-olds average around four hours a day, while teens often exceed that. How will these children transition into adulthood if they’ve spent their formative years consumed by social media? If they’re not given the chance to explore their own creativity and connect with the world around them, who will they become?
Consider the implications of maintaining an online self. How does that shape a child’s self-worth? They quickly learn that their value is tied to likes and followers, creating a harsh cycle of comparison and anxiety. Frances Jensen from the University of Pennsylvania notes that while social media may not directly cause anxiety, it can intensify existing feelings of discontent.
Perhaps it’s time for change. If influential figures like Bill and Melinda Gates were listening, they might consider offering incentives for kids to stay off social media until they’re 16. Imagine if the Gates Foundation rewarded kids with $1600 on their 16th birthday for opting out of social media during their childhood. That could shift the landscape of growing up in America.
In conclusion, while TikTok and similar platforms can seem harmless at first, the hidden dangers are vast and troubling. As parents, we must be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our children’s mental health and well-being in an increasingly digital world.
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Summary:
This article explores the hidden dangers of TikTok and the impact it has on children, such as sexual objectification, cyberbullying, and mental health issues. Parents are urged to be vigilant and understand the content their children are exposed to online, as well as the risks associated with social media.
Keyphrase: TikTok dangers for children
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