WHAT PARENTS CAN DO

Get familiar with TikTok You don’t have to create an account yourself to understand how the platform works and how kids access it. TikTok can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, or by entering tiktok.com in a browser. Experts agree that it’s worth taking a look every now and then so you know the lingo and what’s trending on the platform.

UK psychologist and author Alex J Packer advises asking your children about the ins and outs of the app.

“Since many kids know far more than adults about how these sites work and their many layers and features, I believe that asking nonjudgemental questions is a great way to introduce topics and get the discussion going,” Packer shared with educational site Teach Starter.

Talk about values Experts believe it’s worth discussing a TikTok challenge as one that either aligns or doesn’t with the values taught at home. Emma Sadleir, South Africa’s expert on social media law, agrees that when it comes to social media, parents need to be “active, aware and involved”. Pause before you post Psychology Today advises that parents encourage children to ask these simple questions before posting online or taking part in challenges that go viral: Will this hurt someone? Why am I posting this? Will I regret this later?