Are you a TikTok user? Do you find yourself enchanted by creators who bring laughter or share makeup tips? Have you caught yourself learning the latest dance moves or trying trending recipes on your For You Page? That’s perfectly fine—after all, you’re an adult. You handle responsibilities like paying bills, driving, and voting. You have the maturity to navigate the risks associated with social media and understand what’s suitable.
But what about your children? If you have teenagers, they’ve likely expressed interest in joining platforms like TikTok or Snapchat. Perhaps they even want a Facebook account or an Instagram profile. Allowing your 13-year-old to share snaps with friends and watch TikTok videos can be acceptable, especially if you supervise their activity and apply some filters. But what about their younger siblings? Is it appropriate for your eight-year-old to be on TikTok? Probably not.
This topic has gained attention recently, especially due to celebrity mom Kim Kardashian, who launched a TikTok account featuring her daughter, North. Their page showcases everything from dancing to home tours. While it’s clear that turning daily life into entertainment is part of their family’s brand, is it truly necessary for an eight-year-old to be on TikTok? For me, the answer is a firm no.
Adults are aware of the potential dangers. There’s no way a child like North fully comprehends the exposure she’s inviting. It’s worth noting that she comes from a family with extensive security resources, a luxury that the average third grader certainly lacks. Yet, we continue to see younger children creating profiles on social media.
Most platforms require users to be at least 13 years old, but this age limit feels somewhat arbitrary—does turning 13 dramatically increase maturity? As a parent of a 13-year-old son who uses Snapchat and TikTok, I made the hesitant choice to let him join, mainly because his friends are on those platforms and their parents are actively engaged as well. We monitor each other and quickly communicate if any inappropriate content arises. However, my younger son, who is North’s age, will not be touching social media for many years.
Research from Computers In Human Behavior supports the notion that young children should not be on social media, as it can harm their self-esteem and they often lack the understanding needed for such platforms. “These findings suggest that the industry-based age minimum of 13 for social media users may potentially be a good standard, if it can be enforced,” stated study author Linda Charmaraman, Ph.D., director of the Youth, Media and Wellbeing Research Lab at the Wellesley Centers for Women. “The findings also suggest that a potential strategy to support families with children, tweens, and teens is to a) keep track of social media sites joined and online friend networks; b) set even one rule about screen use (i.e., limiting duration on school nights); and c) monitor children’s frequency of checking, particularly if they’re using social media at age 10 and younger.”
Let’s allow our kids to enjoy their childhoods. They grow up quickly enough without adding the pressures of social media. Little kids on TikTok? No thanks.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out this related article on our blog. It’s important to be informed about the implications of social media on young children. Additionally, for those considering home insemination, visit Make a Mom for expert guidance and Parents for invaluable resources.
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Summary:
The article discusses the appropriateness of young children using TikTok and other social media platforms. It emphasizes the risks involved for kids under 13, highlighting the need for parental supervision and adherence to age restrictions. With insights from research, the piece advocates for allowing children to enjoy their childhoods without the pressures of social media.
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