⚠️ Safety Note for Families:
Talking About TikTok Challenges
The Schenectady City School District is committed to student safety, both in the classroom and online. We want to draw your attention to the increasing presence of risky and dangerous social media trends, particularly "challenges" circulating on platforms like TikTok.
While many online trends are harmless and fun, a small number encourage reckless, illegal, or physically harmful behavior. Due to peer pressure and the desire for social media attention, children may not fully grasp the severe, often permanent, consequences of participating.
What You Need to Know:
Extreme Risk: Dangerous challenges cycle through different names (e.g., the "Blackout Challenge" involves intentional oxygen deprivation and has been linked to fatalities; other challenges involve the misuse of medication or household products, or dangerous physical stunts).
Impulse Control: Children and pre-teens are highly susceptible to peer pressure and may not have the fully developed judgment to weigh the consequences of a risky dare seen online.
Visibility and Speed: The nature of platforms like TikTok means dangerous content can spread globally and reach your child almost instantly, regardless of your protective settings.
What Parents Can Do:
The most effective tool against these trends is open communication and trust.
Talk About Trends (Non-Judgmentally): Ask your child what challenges they have seen trending. Discuss the difference between fun, positive challenges (like dancing or creative cooking) and dangerous, destructive ones.
Reinforce the Consequences: Use real-world examples (without being overly frightening) to explain that no amount of online fame is worth physical harm, legal trouble, or property damage.
Establish a No-Secrets Rule: Stress that they must come to you or another trusted adult immediately and without fear of judgment if a challenge makes them feel uncomfortable, pressured, or if they or a friend have participated in something risky.
Utilize Safety Features: Familiarize yourself with the platform’s native controls, such as Family Pairing on TikTok, which allows parents to manage screen time, restrict content, and adjust privacy settings.
Review the Content: If your child uses TikTok, ask them to show you their "For You Page" (FYP) so you can understand the content they are consuming.
We encourage you to use this upcoming break as an opportunity to have calm, proactive conversations about digital safety.