My 12 year old wants TikTok and I'm not ready

C

3d ago1 min read

He keeps saying all his friends have it and I'm the mean dad. I've read too much about the algorithm and how it affects kids his age, plus I've seen some of the stuff on there. I let him have Instagram with restrictions but TikTok feels different. He's a good kid, decent grades, but I'm not comfortable with it yet. Anyone else drawing a line here or am I being too strict?

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3 comments143 views

Comments(3)

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AAndrew T.New Dad1d ago

I feel this one hard. My oldest wanted Snapchat at 11 and I said absolutely not. TikTok is worse because the algorithm is literally designed to be addictive. Your kid will survive without it even if he doesn't think so right now.

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MMiguelRegular2d ago

Not a mean dad at all. You're actually being a good one. I know it sucks to be the bad guy but your instinct about the algorithm is right. Stay firm on this one.

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SStevenRegular2d ago

The 'all my friends have it' argument is so tough but you're making the right call. I've read the same stuff about TikTok and the algorithm. Twelve feels too young anyway. Maybe revisit when he's older and more mature about it.

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