Parents warned over child death linked to Tiktok
Social media fear after tragedy in Italy
AN Irish cyber watchdog has warned parents to be vigilant after the death of a girl in Italy was linked to a game on Tiktok.
A probe has been launched into the accidental death of the 10-year-old in Palermo, who allegedly took part in a “blackout challenge” on the video-sharing network.
The investigation came as Italy announced it had temporarily blocked access to Tiktok for users whose age could not be proven. Last night, Alex Cooney, CEO of Cybersafeireland,
warned parents need to keep a close eye on their kids’ use of apps. She told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “It’s important to note that this is still under investigation and that there is not hard evidence yet that it was this platform. “But there is a real issue for all online service providers with underage users and what to do about it. “What do we do about the children who are using them and are under the age restrictions? Alex Cooney
Young children and teenagers are on social media apps now more than ever before with lockdown.
“There is a lot of fun to be had on the platform [Tiktok] and it’s important to recognise that, but again it brings home that we need to keep an eye on what children are doing.
“Keep an eye on the content they are consuming and posting and to try and avoid awful situations like this occurring.”
Ms Cooney added: “On a more day-today level too it’s important to teach our kids what is OK to share and what is not
OK to share and when they need to talk to a trusted adult.
“We need to keep reminding kids of these things, it’s very important.”
According to reports, the victim’s dad Angelo Sicomero said she spent all her time on social media apps.
He said: “Tiktok was her world. And Youtube. That’s how she spent her time.”
The Italian data privacy watchdog said it had told the authorities in Ireland about its decision because Tiktok plans to run its European operations out of Dublin.