The role Snapchat, Tik Tok can play in keeping your school kids social
Apps such as Instagram, Snapchat and Tik Tok are usually banned from classrooms but one Monash education expert says they should now be part of learning time as schools move online due to the coronavirus. Here’s why.
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With social distancing enforced and schools expected to move online, an education expert say young people should be allowed to use social media apps in ‘class time’.
This comes after parents shared concerns about app like Tik Tok and the toll it may take on mental health.
With time spent online heightened through the COVID-19 social isolation period, many tweens and teens have been using apps not only to interact but to laugh, joke and enjoy their free time.
Monash University senior education lecturer Michael Phillips said students don’t only learn to understand course material at school, but how to interact socially and form connections.
Through apps like Tik Tok, Snapchat and Instagram they can securely stay in touch with peers.
“It’s important for parents to value their social interaction, and have time in the day where kids can social interact,” he said.
“It’s a safe bet to say young people feel confident to interact online.
“Parents should remember the value of these social interactions and have time in the day where their children are able to interact in the most normal way they can.
“Not everything that happens at home in relation to school needs to be about school work, some of it needs to be about school socialisation.”
Trends on Tik Tok among Australian children include dance challenge videos, lip synching competitions and sharing personal experiences of social isolation at home.
Many parents have found themselves involved in the fun also, with mum and dad cameos seen online.
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Mother of two teenager Doris Godoy said she is happy for her 14-year-old son Thomas to use apps to connect with his mates, as long as it’s balanced with school work, chores and backyard play.
“Thomas has asked me to have friends over, but right now it’s not possible and the need for isolation is sinking in, it’s important that he communicates with friends,” she said.
“I trust him to go online, he has a sound knowledge of internet safety and he’s relying on media more to see his friends.”