approx. 5 min read
TikTok is a popular social media platform that allows users to create, share, and discover short, creative videos. The app focuses on music, dance, comedy, and creative content, offering a variety of filters, effects, and soundtracks to polish the videos. With a simple user interface, users can record and edit 15- to 60-second clips. TikTok has attracted a global community of users of all ages, allowing people to express themselves, set trends, and connect with others in an entertaining way. It has revolutionized the way we consume and create content and has given rise to cultural phenomena. Anyone who has tried TikTok knows how quickly it becomes addictive.
Social media platforms like TikTok have become a big part of everyday life for many children. As the mother of an elementary school child, I have often wondered how I can teach my child to use TikTok safely. This is especially true because the question about TikTok keeps coming up. My son would like to be a TikTok star. He keeps asking me to post videos of him on TikTok so that he can soon have 1 million followers and buy a yacht. With a pool and a Gucci store. As exciting as that sounds, I don't post any of his videos. Even though they are endlessly funny, it's none of anyone's business.
One of the first things I taught my son is that TikTok and other social media platforms have age restrictions. It is important that children only get access to these platforms once they have reached the minimum age, which is 12 years or older. This is to ensure their safety. Until then, there is no discussion.
As a parent, you should actively help set up your child's TikTok account and review the privacy settings. I sometimes show my son my Instagram account and explain why I set my account to "private". He sees who follows me and who can therefore see our pictures. They are good acquaintances and relatives. We know everyone who follows me.
I taught my son that personal information such as a full name, address, or school should never be shared in profiles or posts. It is important to only share information that you would also say in public. Especially younger children are so proud that they know their name and address. For a while, almost every Uber driver knew the names and addresses of all family members. "You know, the man has all the information he needs from us. Our names are none of his business."
Pictures should not be shared indiscriminately either. I have many conversations with my son. On the way home, while walking the dogs, before bedtime, or during a cozy meal. He has a good sense about many topics. "Mom, I don't like it when Dad takes photos of me when I'm sleeping. He doesn't listen to me. Please tell him." I take it seriously and have the appropriate conversation. If my son asks me to delete photos of him, I do. Even if it's sometimes a shame about the funny photo. It is his right to his image.
To ensure this remains the case, a few more years will pass before he has his own phone. We have found a different solution for ourselves so that we can stay in touch during the day. At preschool age, my son took over the organization of his playdates himself. Sometimes very spontaneously. A behavior that I welcomed very much in itself, but coordination without a phone was difficult. Therefore, there was a smartwatch in the school bag. Outside of school mode, he could call me from 3 p.m. onwards and coordinate with me whether he can spontaneously go to a friend's house. In return, I could briefly send a message if I was late. We could use the benefits of the phone through the smartwatch without being exposed to the dangers. My son has started - in coordination with me - to independently coordinate his appointments.
Of course, I am also afraid of cyberbullying. So often I see children or teenagers on the street who put a lot of time and effort into their videos. How do I know that these will not be torn apart by schoolmates or given mean comments by anonymous users. I also don't know how children will feel about the content in a few years. The internet does not forget. I myself once posted a post on a blog at the age of 14. 15 years later, the article was still searchable on Google. Completely harmless, but my thoughts as a 14-year-old are now none of anyone's business. So we will stick with the children's smartwatch for a few more years to avoid these issues.
My child is learning not to believe everything you see online. We discuss how to critically question what you see and that not all content is suitable for their age group. We talk about the importance of reliable information and how to recognize fake news and disinformation. This is an important skill they need in the digital age.
Children should understand that they cannot simply use images, music, or videos they find online. Sharing content that does not belong to them without the permission of the creator can have legal consequences.
Dealing with TikTok and other social media can be a challenge for parents, but with these tips, I hope you can teach your children a safe and responsible use of these platforms. Used consciously, they can be a lot of fun.
Please remember that it is important to stay in communication and accompany your children on their journey into the digital world. Together we can find a healthy balance between the use of technology and the protection of our children.
