TikTok’s toxic trends: What parents need to watch out for

Introduction

TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly among teens in the United States. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, a staggering 58% of kids aged 13 to 17 visit the app at least once a day, and 77% claim they are on it almost constantly. While the platform is often filled with fun and entertaining content, it also harbors dangers that parents should be aware of. Here, we explore some of the perilous trends that can pose serious risks to young users.

The Allure of TikTok

TikTok captivates teens with a wealth of content that ranges from cute dogs to the latest fashion trends. However, the time spent on the app can lead to exposure to harmful challenges that go viral. While some challenges might be harmless or humorous, others carry a significant risk, with several proving to be deadly.

Dangerous TikTok Challenges

1. Blackout Challenge: Participants are encouraged to choke themselves until they lose consciousness.

2. Chroming Challenge (Whip Talk): Users inhale toxic fumes to achieve a high, risking addiction and potential fatality.

3. Skull Breaker Challenge: This involves three individuals, where the person in the middle jumps, only to have their legs kicked out from under them. This can lead to serious injuries, including spinal cord damage and paralysis.

4. Dragon Breath Challenge: In this challenge, kids dip their food in liquid nitrogen, causing dangerous vapor to emit from their mouths and noses, which can result in severe internal damage and breathing difficulties.

Parental Guidance and Controls

In light of these perilous challenges, what can parents do to protect their children? TikTok has implemented certain parental controls that can help manage their child's exposure. Parents can limit content, filter comments, and use a family pairing option that connects their TikTok account with their child's. This feature allows for supervised daily screen time, search options, and messaging.

Experts recommend that parents stay informed about trending challenges and content on the app. This means reviewing content first and discussing with their children the differences between acceptable and dangerous challenges. Communication is key to guiding teens safely through their TikTok experience.

Keywords

• TikTok
• Teens
• Pew Research Center
• Blackout Challenge
• Chroming Challenge
• Skull Breaker Challenge
• Dragon Breath Challenge
• Parental Controls
• Family Pairing
• Communication

FAQ

1. What percentage of teens use TikTok daily?
Approximately 58% of kids aged 13 to 17 in the U.S. visit TikTok at least once a day.

2. What are some of the dangerous challenges on TikTok?
Some of the hazardous challenges include the Blackout Challenge, Chroming Challenge, Skull Breaker Challenge, and Dragon Breath Challenge.

3. How can parents monitor their child's TikTok usage?
Parents can use TikTok’s parental controls, which include limiting content and filtering comments, as well as linking their account to their child's for better supervision.

4. Why is parental involvement important on TikTok?
Parental involvement is crucial as it helps educate teens about the risks associated with certain challenges and encourages safer use of the platform.