TikTok Phenomenon: Risks and Responses to Trends

The Dangers of Social Media: TikTok Trends and Teenage Risk-Taking

Social media, especially TikTok, has become an almost unavoidable part of young people's lives. However, serious dangers often lurk behind entertaining videos and trends. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), experts report alarming phenomena: TikTok trends increasingly encourage teenagers to take life-threatening risks. The situation is so severe that it calls for the cooperation of parents, schools, and professionals to resolve the issue.

The Influence of Curiosity and Peer Pressure

Curiosity, peer pressure, and the desire for social recognition encourage many children and teenagers to experiment with unusual—and sometimes life-threatening—trends. TikTok challenges, such as the "self-induced fainting" or trends promoting self-harm, exploit young people's curiosity, potentially drawing them into dangerous situations.

Experts say that the developmental state of teenagers' brains also contributes to this behavior. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control and risk assessment, is not fully developed in adolescence. This means young people are less able to assess the consequences of their actions and are more easily swayed by peer pressure.

The Psychological Impact of Social Media

Social media platforms like TikTok exploit the vulnerabilities of young people. Likes, comments, and shares release dopamine in the brain, reinforcing behavior and leading to addiction. This process often overrides rational decision-making and encourages young people to take on increasingly dangerous challenges.

Ban Is Not the Solution

While banning social media may seem like a simple solution, experts argue that it is ineffective. A psychiatrist at Aster Clinic emphasizes that parents need to actively participate in their children's digital lives. "Parents need to talk to their children, explore content together, and educate them on digital literacy," she said.

Parents should set monitoring levels according to the child's age, maturity, and sense of responsibility. Moreover, it's essential to engage in ongoing, non-judgmental dialogue about social media experiences and encourage critical thinking. Children need to be taught how platforms use psychological techniques to increase user engagement.

The Role of Schools

Schools also play a crucial role in ensuring digital safety. Schools need to integrate digital citizenship and critical thinking into the curriculum and establish open communication channels where students feel safe discussing online content.

The head of the American Academy for Girls highlighted the importance of student-led initiatives to promote digital well-being. "Our student mental health ambassadors lead awareness campaigns on the risks of social media and collaborate with home mental health leaders to help younger students develop strong digital citizenship skills," she explained.

Strict Digital Protection

Schools are implementing several measures to ensure digital safety. For instance, Taaleem's e-safety policy mandates stringent digital protection measures. "All our staff are trained to handle e-safety issues, and students must sign an Acceptable Use Agreement before accessing the school's e-services," she said. The policy also includes content filtering, privacy measures, and digital moderation.

The Importance of a Structured Approach

The principal of Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi emphasized the importance of structured monitoring instead of strict bans. "We do not have a specific mobile phone policy, but students use school devices where firewalls block non-educational content. If behavioral incidents arise, we follow a structured intervention plan involving parents and counseling support," she explained.

To maintain order, the school conducts random checks. "Sharp objects are strictly prohibited, and mobile phone checks are routine. In case of any reported incidents, we immediately contact parents and provide counseling for the child," she added.

Self-Care Programs

Shining Star International School recently introduced a "Self-Care" program focusing on mental well-being and life skills. "Our goal is to equip students with appropriate strategies and independent thinking skills. As graduates, they leave as young adults capable of making informed decisions," she explained.

Conclusion

Social media trends and teenage risk-taking pose a significant challenge for both parents and schools. Instead of bans, experts focus on dialogue, education, and developing critical thinking. Collaboration between parents, schools, and students is essential to foster a healthier digital culture and protect young people from the dangers of social media.