Children on TikTok: an analysis of child exposure on the social network

Abstract

The study analyzes child exposure on TikTok, focusing on the risks associated with overexposure on the platform. The research relied on a qualitative analysis of 47 videos collected through specific hashtags and time criteria. The videos were categorized into dance, memes, tutorials, challenges, dubbing, awareness, and everyday life, and user comments were examined to identify perceptions about children. The results revealed vulnerabilities, such as early sexualization, exposure to dangerous situations, and the instrumentalization of children to gain likes or profits. Despite TikTok's safety guidelines, which restrict access for users under 13, these measures were found insufficient, with 40% of videos posted by guardians and 35% shared without authorization. Overexposure was found to affect children's social and emotional development, emphasizing the importance of joint actions by digital platforms, caregivers, and society to ensure a safe virtual environment. Expanding the research through interviews and broader analyses is recommended to deepen the understanding of the interaction between childhood and digital technologies.