Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Key Takeaways: 

• TikTok and other video-based apps feature algorithms designed to keep kids on the app for as long as possible, which is key to their profitability
• Short videos can give users a dopamine spike that can make short-video features on social media addictive while shortening students’ attention span
• Turning off autoplay features can help users avoid mindless viewing
• When students make conscious choices of what to watch on social media, they’re more likely to engage their minds and choose content they care about

Dialogue Starters:

Parents of Elementary School Students (to ask students)

Tell Me About TikTok

• Have you watched TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, and if so, what makes them fun for you?

Parents of Middle School Students (to ask students)

Mindful Social-Media Consumption

• If you’re on TikTok, what kinds of videos do you look for—or do you watch whatever pops up?

Parents of High School Students (to ask students)

Talking About Time Management

• How do you balance the amount of time you spend on TikTok and other social media with your other priorities? 

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• Best Screen Time Apps for Students
• ‍Making Screen Time Fun While Reducing the Negative Impact‍
• 10 Screen Time Management Tips to Prevent Addiction‍
• Balancing Video Game Screen Time for Teens

Conclusion

Video apps can be a lot of fun, especially for students who are looking for some quick entertainment. These short videos are ingrained in pop culture and can also play a role in a student’s social life. Finding ways to use video apps in a balanced way can help students reduce excessive screen time and some of the negative impacts it can have on their lives.