Parenting in the Digital Age: Navigating Online Safety and Digital Well-Being Through TikTok
When my kids were younger, I admit, I was very cautious about TikTok.
Like many parents, I tried to restrict their use of the app because I worried about what they might see, who they might connect with, and how it could affect their well-being. It felt safer to keep those digital doors closed or at least tightly controlled.
But now that they are older and more aware of the online world’s risks, I realize something important: the digital landscape isn’t going away, and neither is TikTok. What has changed is how I think about parenting in this digital age.
Recently, I had the chance to attend the Table Talk with TikTok: Online Youth Safety and Teen Well-being event with my daughter. It was an eye-opening experience that helped me rethink how we approach social media in our family.
Baking Peanut Butter Cookies and Building Trust
One of the best parts of the event was a baking session led by Drip and Bites, a small business featured on TikTok Shop. The owner walked us through how to bake peanut butter cookies from scratch, and it was such a simple but meaningful moment. My daughter and I laughed, made a mess, and connected in a way that reminded me how important shared experiences are, both online and offline.
If you’re curious, definitely check out Drip and Bites on TikTok Shop. It’s more than just a shop; it’s a community that brings people together.
TikTok’s Safety Features for Families
The event also gave me valuable insight into TikTok’s efforts to protect young users and support parents. I learned about features I didn’t know existed, like:
Family Pairing — which lets parents connect their accounts with their teen’s, so they can guide content and set screen time limits without being invasive.
Time Away and Wind Down — tools that encourage healthy breaks and help teens unplug when it’s time to rest.
Smart Keyword Filtering — which blocks specific words or topics from showing up, making the content experience safer and more positive.
These aren’t just controls, they’re tools to help families build trust and have open conversations about what’s happening online.
What I Learned About Parenting in the Digital Age
I used to think restricting access was the best way to keep my kids safe on TikTok. But now, I see it’s about balance, guiding them, giving them tools, and trusting them while staying involved.
The digital world will always bring risks, but it also offers opportunities for creativity, learning, and connection. As parents, our role is to support our kids in navigating that world with confidence and care.
Being part of this event reminded me that parenting in the digital age isn’t about shutting doors, it’s about opening dialogue, sharing moments, and growing together.
No comments:
God Bless & Stay Safe!