Tiktok and teen health
As parents, it's easy to feel a bit out of the loop when it comes to the latest online trends, especially on platforms like TikTok. Your teens are constantly exposed to "wellness" content: miracle supplements, extreme diets, and quick fixes for every perceived flaw. It's natural to wonder: is TikTok wellness actually… safe? The short answer is, often, no.
The biggest issue with TikTok wellness trends is that they often lack scientific backing and can even be dangerous. Unlike regulated health advice, anyone can post on TikTok, regardless of their qualifications. This means your teen might be taking advice from an influencer with no medical or nutritional training, rather than a qualified professional.
Consider some common examples. There are endless videos promoting "detox" teas or specific diets promising rapid results. However, your child's body already has highly effective detoxification organs (liver, kidneys). Most of these products are unnecessary and can sometimes be harmful, especially for developing bodies. Similarly, while some alternative wellness trends might seem harmless, they often aren't tested or proven.
Supplements are another huge area of concern. TikTok is rife with recommendations for various vitamins, minerals, and herbal concoctions that claim to boost energy, clear skin, or enhance performance. As parents, it's vital to know that supplements are largely unregulated. Taking unnecessary supplements, or incorrect dosages, can lead to adverse health effects or interact dangerously with medications. Always encourage your teen to consult a doctor before starting any new supplement.
And then there are the more extreme beauty-related trends, like DIY cosmetic procedures or unsafe at-home remedies for skin issues. These can lead to severe infections, scarring, or permanent damage. It’s crucial to emphasize to your teen that medical procedures should only be performed by trained professionals in a sterile environment, not by a friend or from a video tutorial.
Your role as a parent is to encourage media literacy and critical thinking. Help your teen understand that if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Guide them to seek health information from reliable sources, such as their doctor, a registered dietitian, or reputable health organizations. Prioritize open conversations about what they're seeing online and help them distinguish between helpful advice and potentially dangerous fads. Your child's health is too important to be risked on viral trends.
