Safety On TikTok

Britti Aryal

TikTok has rapidly established itself as a beloved platform among children and teenagers, largely due to its engaging format that allows users to create and share dynamic, short videos accompanied by popular music or audio clips. The app’s user-friendly features, vibrant community, and diverse content invite creative expression and imaginative exploration. The rise in content creation has turned social media into a vibrant space for kids to fulfil their passions and foster connections. However, this increased engagement raises crucial discussions about the potential risks these platforms pose to young individuals.

The presence of children on TikTok raises several significant concerns that merit careful consideration. One of the most alarming issues is the exposure to inappropriate content, as the platform frequently showcases videos that may not be suitable for younger audiences. This desensitisation can diminish their emotional responses and critical thinking about such behaviours, potentially leading them to mimic or endorse them without understanding the real-life consequences. The lack of clear boundaries in the content they consume can ultimately shape their values and attitudes in harmful ways.

TikTok's addictive nature can negatively impact a child's attention span. The app's engaging short videos can lead to excessive usage, disrupting daily routines and replacing important activities like homework, outdoor play, and family time, ultimately hindering their growth and social skills development. Additionally, the platform’s emphasis on likes, and followers can contribute to anxiety. Children may feel pressured to buy trendy items to fit in, straining their families' finances and prioritising consumerism over meaningful experiences. 

Constant comparisons to their peers and influencers intensify the pressure to seek validation through these social media metrics, driving them to participate in dangerous or harmful trends without grasping the consequences. This pressure to conform to trends and materialism develops unhealthy consumer habits compromising their ability to make safe decisions, and endangering their well-being. Privacy risks also pose a significant threat, as adults may exploit young users for malicious purposes like grooming, or using content without consent for profit. Children may even unintentionally disclose personal information while interacting on the platform. 

Likewise, trolling and harassment are also significant risks, where negative comments can deeply impact their emotional well-being. The anonymity of online interactions often encourages bullies to make hurtful comments, leading to isolation, sadness, and low self-esteem. As children seek validation, harsh feedback can increase stress making it difficult for them to handle rejection in real-life situations. This lack of resilience can lead to real-world challenges, making constructive criticism feel overwhelming and resulting in anxiety and social withdrawal.

An overreliance on TikTok for social interaction can significantly impede children's development of vital social skills. Prioritising online personas over face-to-face conversations results in lost opportunities for authentic interactions, which are essential for grasping social cues, building empathy, and honing communication skills. This growing trend can hinder meaningful relationships and create challenges in real-world social settings.

Parents and guardians must be actively involved in monitoring and guiding their children's use of TikTok to ensure a safe and positive experience. By fostering open conversations about the content they encounter and the pressures they face, parents can help children develop critical thinking skills and resilience. Establishing clear boundaries around screen time, encouraging alternative activities, and discussing the importance of privacy can empower children to navigate the platform responsibly. Being informed about the latest trends and challenges can also enable parents to identify potential risks, ultimately creating a supportive environment where children can enjoy the benefits of social media while minimising its harms.