Social media, when used effectively, is an unprecedented tool to foster creativity, deep conversation and meaningful connections. It can also be an escape, a commodity, a marketing tool, a vehicle for 15 minutes of fame, a way to receive the latest news or a simply a distraction. In recent times, it can be hard to keep up with the latest platforms, and just as you finally learn what Instagram Live is and you feel like you have a grip on your daughter's social media habits, she has no interest in Instagram and has moved on to the next bigger and better platform that she simply cannot live without.
Perhaps you’ve heard your daughter talk about Charli D'Amelio? Seen her and her friends perform in unison a dance routine to a pop song that undoubtedly is stuck in your head for the rest of the day? Or maybe you’ve heard the annoyingly catchy tune Old Town Road? For all of these, you can thank social media platform, TikTok - the latest reason that an uncharged or confiscated phone is the end of the world to legions of children at Queenwood and across the world.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a short-form video content channel and one of the fastest growing social media platforms in the world. Users have different objectives: some create videos for their network, others attempt to ‘go viral’ and be seen by a large public audience while others only engage with videos without creating their own. Brands also utilise the platform for integrated content, most recently seen on large scale at the Super Bowl, meaning users are continually engaging with branded content (at times without realising). There is also the ability to use the platform as an educational resource, with content grouped into categories to inform and entertain users, such as #MakeBlackHistory in the US, or for offering job ready insights to young adults, moving the platform beyond purely entertainment.
Who is it for?
TikTok is restricted to users 13 years and over, and is accessible to anyone with a log in. The variety of content is designed to appeal to a mass audience. The short-form content ranges from celebrity news to health and wellness advice as well as funny at-home videos so that there is content on the platform to appeal to any user. There have been over 1.5 billion downloads of the app, and there are over 500 million monthly users worldwide, with 41% of the users aged between 16 and 24. This popularity has reached 155 countries, with the most downloads in India, followed by China (branded as Douyin) and the US.
Why do young adults love it?
For this question I went straight to the source. I spoke to girls in the Senior School about the specific elements of TikTok that they enjoy and why they choose to be on the platform:
“I love learning the dance moves”
“It helps me procrastinate when I should be doing my homework”
“When I’m feeling sad it’s a fun distraction and it always makes me feel better”
“There are really inspiring and uplifting videos on there”
“The funny videos make me laugh when I’m tired or stressed"
Is it safe? How can it be safer?
TikTok, like any social media channel, is as safe as the user would like it to be. While there have certainly been investigations of breaches in data protection, particularly with children, and security reviews there are robust measures in place to make the platform as safe as possible. It is worth mentioning that TikTok is owned by a company, ByteDance, which based in Beijing, meaning the data is held offshore adding an uncertain level of complication. In addition, use of biometric data and AI in China combined with the lack of privacy protections in that country have been raised by some commentators as serious, and largely unexamined, concerns.
As with all digital platforms, there are certain privacies forfeited by simply opting in, however it is a sliding scale depending on how open you are with your personal information. Here are some ideas on how to be safer on TikTok:
- Set your account to private
- Manage who can follow you, contact you and comment on your content (or if you will allow comments at all)
- Set messaging preferences if your account is on public so that you can manage this direct contact
- Block users and immediately report anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, harassed or if you receive inappropriate and unwanted messages/comments
- Enable ‘restricted mode’ which automatically filters out content that is deemed inappropriate for minors
- Don’t upload in ‘real time’ i.e. do not post at a specific location (within reason), mention you are hosting a party or that you are home alone to the world as this will compromise your safety
What do we tell the girls about TikTok?
In Wellbeing lessons, we discuss with each Year Group the importance of being safe online and the concept of a ‘digital footprint’. This is reinforced with discussions about how to handle negative situations on social media and mapping out exactly who to speak to when something does go wrong or does not feel right. The girls are also made aware of the many avenues that they can seek should something go wrong or if they need help, such as their Class teacher, Tutor, Year Coordinator or a trusted member of staff. From a legal perspective, they are also aware that they cannot film themselves on TikTok, or any social media account, at Queenwood during school hours, or in school uniform (barring specific circumstances). This is done not only for the reputation of the School, but for the best interest of the girls as well, as we all know (or find out when it’s too late) that nothing can ever really be deleted once it’s been on the Internet.
I think it is wise here to echo the sentiments of Ms Stone’s earlier communication to parents on social media which I have found to be particularly helpful in my role at Queenwood and helping the girls and staff navigate social media, “have the awkward conversations now, while everything is going well, and tell the girls no matter what happens, and no matter what you’ve done, I will be there for you. There is nothing so bad that I won’t come to help you.”
Ms Lauren Burke
Content Manager