WHAT IS THE APPEAL TO TIKTOK?
Seniors Macio Molano (Weston Ranch High), Arveen Birdi (Sierra High), and Phalina Nim (Lathrop High) agree the biggest appeal to Tiktok is its technology to personalize your scrolling content, or your “For You Feed.” Speaking to the app’s plethora of diverse and niche content.
A Caregiver’s Guide to TikTok: with resources from Common Sense Education, TikTok, opinions from teens, and expert advice A mix of lip sync videos, dance routines, comedy, and microblog content, TikTok redefines the way Gen Z uses social media. TikTok is a glimpse into what it is like growing up in today’s hyper-connected world. Sixty percent of the app’s users are between the ages of 16 and 24, while the majority of Facebook users today are aged 40 plus, and Instagram is more popular with users aged 20-401. TikTok is not an easy platform to understand at first glance and still
KEY WORDS CHALLENGE: A TikTok user or group of users make a video doing something and encouraging others to join in. FOMO: Fear of Missing Out! FOR YOU FEED: The For You feed is a central part of the TikTok experience. The technology recommends relevant videos to engage with 4. MICROBLOG: A microblog is a concise blog post that can have images, GIFs, links, infographics, videos, and audio clips
undiscovered territory for some millennials, Gen X’ers and Baby boomers. But what is consistent with TikTok vs. other social platforms is its ability to reach and influence tweens and teens. Reinforcing digital citizenship and practicing safety while engaging globally is ever more important. While much of TikTok is harmless fun and a creative outlet, there are real concerns and potentially harmful “challenges” that circulate the platform.
“Tiktok knows what you like to watch,” shared Arveen. “To me, Tiktok is like a Pinterest but instead of pictures there’s short videos.” Phalina also commented on app’s design for short, engaging videos. She said her generation tends to have shorter attention spans, so the 30 second videos packed with bite-sized information are enjoyable.
HOW SAFE IS TIKTOK?
Common Sense Education reports that using any social network can be risky, but its possible for tweens and teens to safely use the app! Specifically, by utilizing privacy tools and with adult supervision.
HOW CAN CAREGIVERS SUPPORT THEIR TEEN ONLINE?
TikTok has a feature called “Family Pairing” which lets parents/caregivers link their TikTok account to their teen’s so families can set guardrails on content, digital well-being, and privacy settings. TikTok offers a range of privacy tools including community and content controls. Learn more about how to manage your family’s TikTok experience here: Safety & privacy controls | TikTok Phalina Nim, Lathrop High senior, shares that TikTok is intended to be a positive space for creativity, however, there is some content that is not kid friendly. She suggests using the “Not Interested” button on videos that are not appropriate. This will help to generate better scrolling content on the user’s “For You Feed.”
WHAT IS A “CHALLENGE” AND WHY DO STUDENTS PARTICIPATE?
Challenges are any idea that goes viral. They can be songs, activities, or dances that start trending and then get copied by users on the platform 2. While most challenges are silly and fun, some can be dangerous stunts and elicit violence to the teen, their peers, and lately, community schools. Why participate? Two words: Peer Pressure and FOMO. What was once a “double-dog dare” is now an online icon eating a hot pepper just to see what happens 2. According to Dr. Pamela Rutledge, expert in media psychology, “TikTok challenges offer kids a sense of
belonging and a way of building social capital — or street cred —being part of something, getting to talk about what you contributed to the latest trend is important to teens and tweens.” 3 Common Sense Education on “Challenges Your Kid Already Knows About”.
HOW HAVE SCHOOLS RESPONDED TO TIKTOK?
Student and staff safety is our first priority. MUSD has incorporated conversations about TikTok into its digital citizenship commitment and curriculum. Students and caregivers are encouraged to report suspicious or unsafe activity. Schools are aware that recent trends challenge teens across the country to get themselves suspended or expelled from school through acts of violence, vandalism, offense, etc. By communicating about Tiktok and partnering with caregivers at home, schools hope to curb the participation in such challenges.
WHAT CAN TWEENS/TEENS DO ON THEIR OWN TO USE THE PLATFORM POSITIVELY AND RESPONSIBLY? “If I see something that I feel is inappropriate whether it’s bullying or just something out of line, I will easily report it,” stated Macio. It’s important to him to curate a thoughtful and positive presence online— he creates posts about fashion and hopes to instill confidence in others. “I limit my screen time because Tik Tok is super addicting,” said Phalina. “I often send Tik Toks to my family so we can all enjoy the content! When I see cyberbullying on a Tik Tok, I report it.” “I also like to limit my screen time,” shared Arveen. She uses TikTok to engage her friends: “It is great for us to share some laughs and get ideas from other friend groups about what they do together. It urges us to do the same together and we have a great time!” Visit Tiktok’s youth portal for more ideas!
WHERE CAN STUDENTS/FAMILIES GO FOR HELP?
Each school campus has a dedicated counselor ready to help with students and families with social-emotional support. Please call your school office.
Sources: 1. Pew Research Center 2. Common Sense Education: Guide to TikTok 3. Cyberwise.org: Kids love TikTok Challenges 4. Tiktok Parent Guide
