‍Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Key Takeaways: 

• Asking your student to teach you about  TikTok can supercharge dialogue about the app—a great way to engage with your student about their interests and discuss what they’re watching or posting
• TikTok can be used by predators to try and connect with and exploit students
• TikTok “challenges” can draw in students who want to get in on the fun, but many of these are dangerous or harmful
• TikTok is designed to be addictive, potentially causing  kids to lose sleep, neglect other priorities, or suffer from emotional-health issues

Dialogue Starters:

Parents of Elementary School Students (to ask students)

Tell Me About It

• Have you ever seen TikTok, and what interests you about it? 

Parents of Middle School Students (to ask students)

Keeping an Open Dialogue

• What kinds of things do you like to watch on TikTok?

Parents of High School Students (to ask students)

Healthy Boundaries

• What are you doing to make sure you don’t spend so much time on social media it gets in the way of school, sports, or seeing your friends?

Additional Resources

Positive Impact of Social Media & Screen Time (What Students, Parents, & Educators Need to Know)

Making Screen Time Fun While Reducing the Negative Impact

Instagram App Guide (2024): What Parents, Educators, & Students Need to Know

Social Media Challenges: What Students, Parents & Educators Need to Know

Conclusion

TikTok is an extremely popular app among students. Parents can work with their students to find ways to use the app safely and in a way that fits with their family values. It is important to engage in a dialogue about appropriate ways to use TikTok, current social media challenges, and what to do in the event that students come across content that makes them feel uncomfortable.

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