TikTok and Children

TikTok. The social media platform that’s all the rage with tweens, high schoolers and college kids. It can be fun and make you laugh. But it can also interfere with brain development and have a negative impact on mental health.

We asked Jessica Griffin, PsyD, Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Clinical Psychologist, and Executive Director of Lifeline for Kids, to answer some questions about the impact TikTok and other social platforms are having.

TikTok, Children and the Brain

What impact is TikTok having on children’s attention span and ability to focus?

We need more research in this area. TikTok is relatively new, so we just don’t have enough scientifically rigorous research studies (including longitudinal brain research that follows children over time into adulthood) to definitively show that TikTok does more harm than good. That said, there is much to be worried about.

Some research shows that those with attention problems or underlying mental health or trauma histories may have negative outcomes or worsened emotional symptoms related to social media use.

Can TikTok affect the brain?

Although we don’t yet have longitudinal research, there is no question that TikTok affects the brain – and children’s brains are still developing into their early to mid-twenties! Short videos, like candy, provide a rush of dopamine, a feel-good chemical that’s released in the pleasure center of our brains. That rush often leaves you wanting more (like kids in a candy store!). If you’re watching TikTok for long periods of time, it may lead to problems with attention, concentration, and short-term memory.

The Good and Bad

Is TikTok all bad?

With all social media platforms, there are positive and negative benefits. Social media creates connections to people furthest away from us (such as interacting with people from all over the world). But platforms can be detrimental to our close relationships if we’re not careful. For example, if my kids are together as a family and allowed to be on their phones, scrolling TikTok or other social media platforms, they aren’t interacting as much with family members … decreasing eye contact and opportunities for true connection.

Are there positive aspects of TikTok?

Sure. Some TikTok videos may make people feel better, such as the Bones or No Bones posts. TikTok provides an avenue to learn about a new hobby like cooking or science experiments, find a peaceful way to advocate for a cause that’s important to them, or even learn about other cultures.

What about the content kids are watching?

For children, we become increasingly concerned about the content available on TikTok and other platforms. It’s likely that even with parental controls, children will be exposed to potentially upsetting, harmful, or inaccurate information. We have had multiple examples of TikTok trends (e.g., challenges like Devious Licks) negatively impacting children – even forcing schools to have to send children home. Additionally, children are at increased risk of being targeted by predators on any online platform; One out of seven children is exploited online.

Another danger I’ve seen, particularly for young girls, is the over-sexualization of young people. Dances, provocative clothing that’s “trendy,” and messages that they must look, appear, or dance a certain way undoubtedly affect the self-esteem of children and adolescents.

Talk to Your Kids

What can parents do to help their children with so many platforms available?

Nothing can replace talking with your children. Yes, they may roll their eyes, but keeping them informed – and an open dialogue with your kids – can make all the difference. You can also put parental controls in place, share a social account with them, follow their accounts and/or monitor them. Keep an eye on trends, and make sure kids know which ones can be dangerous or get them into trouble. Limit the amount of time they are scrolling, and consider having “no phone zones” in the house or during certain times.

What else should parents be made aware of?

I become concerned about algorithms social platforms use. These “feed” your child information geared toward your child’s interests, but also their concerns. For example, if your child has concerns about an eating disorder, anxiety, or depression, they are more likely to have more content related to those topics show up in their feed. This could provide support but has the potential to be very damaging.

Related:

Social Media: The Effect on Young People and Eating Disorders
Can Your Family Go Screen Free?