Tag: TikTok

Parents Urged to Monitor Children’s Social Media Use Amid Rising Concerns

Experts are sounding the alarm for parents, emphasising the need for close supervision of children using social media platforms. 

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This warning follows a troubling investigation that found teenagers are being exposed to disturbing content. According to the UNICEF Teens Online Behaviour Survey, around 62% have been exposed to harmful content including hate speech and violent imagery while 60% have seen violent/gory content online.

social media
Photo credit: Sasha Kim/Pexels

One of the teenagers affected is a TikTok user from Clayfield, further underscoring the relevance of this issue for local families. This incident has sparked conversations among parents about the dangers of unsupervised social media use.

“While greater responsibility from governments is key, all decision makers, including those in the ICT sector, parents and teachers, need to listen to young people so that their views can be incorporated into policies, strategies and programmes,” said Cornelius Williams, Associate Director & Global Chief of Child Protection at UNICEF.

social media
Photo credit: Tofros.com/Pexels

“Efforts to tackle online sexual abuse and exploitation are more effective when children’s opinions and perspectives are included, and this helps guarantee young people can take full advantage of the benefits the Internet offers

Since its launch in 2018, TikTok has taken the world by storm, becoming one of the fastest-growing social media platforms globally, with over 1 billion downloads. Its algorithm is designed to keep users engaged, presenting a continuous stream of captivating content that can quickly draw in young users. 

As concerns about the psychological effects of social media continue to grow, researchers and child psychologists are increasingly alarmed by the findings. Studies indicate a troubling correlation between social media usage and rising rates of depression, self-harm, and suicide among teenagers.

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In these challenging times, community awareness and parental involvement can make a significant difference in safeguarding the mental health of children. As this situation develops, local families are reminded to prioritise supervision and open communication regarding their children’s interactions with social media platforms like TikTok.

Published 4-November-2024

Parents Demand Police Involvement in Elite School “Smash or Pass” Scandal

Photo Credit: m3architecture

Parents of students at St Rita’s College in Clayfield are calling for police involvement following a “smash or pass” rating scandal involving their children’s photos.

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The controversy, which also implicates St Joseph’s Nudgee College students, has raised serious concerns about privacy and online behaviour among teenagers.

According to reports, a Year 8 St Rita’s student shared individual photos of her entire class with a Nudgee College boy. Subsequently, a video featuring these images was allegedly created and uploaded to TikTok.

One St Rita’s parent, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “We have asked the school to refer this matter to the police.” The parent expressed scepticism about claims that the material had not been widely shared on social media, citing the likelihood of redistribution among teenagers.

Read: Police Crime Data Show Theft as Most Common Offense in Hendra

St Rita’s College has reportedly suspended the student who initially shared the images for one day. The school’s deputy principal, Catherine Allen, informed parents that efforts were being made to remove the shared information.

Photos came from a Year 8 St Rita student.
Photo Credit: Queensland Government (des.qld.gov.au)

Nudgee College principal Scott Thomson has denied allegations that their students used social media to rate the attractiveness of St Rita’s students. In a letter to parents, Thomson stated, “Based on our investigations, there is no evidence to support the allegations in the story.” He acknowledged that a Nudgee student had shared St Rita’s student identification photos with a small group of peers but maintained that the school was unaware of any public sharing on social media.

A student from St Joseph’s Nudgee College was also involved in the drama.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia / Kgbo

The incident has sparked broader discussions about the prevalence of “smash or pass” rating games in Brisbane schools. A parent from another local school, All Hallows, commented on the widespread nature of these activities, describing them as “incredibly damaging to kids” with potentially “horrific” fallout.

Published 30-July-2024