Is Your Teen Addicted to TikTok?

 Posted on October 24, 2024 in Child Custody

The Illinois Attorney General recently joined 13 other states in a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging harmful business practices that target children and teens negatively impact their mental health. The lawsuit alleges that TikTok intentionally designed its social media platform to keep children focusing their time and attention on the site.

A nationwide investigation against TikTok, launched in 2022, resulted in allegations against the site, including the potential for self-harm, anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and even suicide among children and teens. According to the investigation, TikTok aims to keep users on the platform as long as possible. The U.S. Surgeon General determined that teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media have twice the risk of mental health issues.

Divorced parents can experience serious disagreements about how much time their teens should be allowed on social media sites, including TikTok. Divorce is tough, and the decisions regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time can be even tougher, especially when parents have significantly differing opinions about the best way to raise their children.  A Will County, IL parental responsibilities lawyer from Law Office of Ronald L. Hendrix, P.C. can help resolve these disagreements.

What Happens When Parents Disagree About Social Media Usage for Teens?

While some children can handle social media more responsibly than others, it is important that you and your ex are on the same page about its use. Facebook and YouTube require a child to be at least 13 before signing up for a social media account. Parents should take steps to ensure a child fully understands what behaviors are and are not acceptable on social media. If you and your spouse cannot make a mutually acceptable decision, the court may be forced to get involved in the issue.

What if you believe your teen is already addicted to TikTok and you want to take steps to limit his or her social media use, but your ex does not? If a disagreement regarding social media use for your child or children arises during your divorce, it could affect the allocation of parental responsibilities, depending on the severity of the issue.

If one parent is completely indifferent to the child’s social media use while the other wants it carefully monitored, a judge who leans one way or the other might allow this to influence decisions regarding parenting time or which parent will be the primary residential parent. Because of this, it is usually better to reach a mutual agreement with your spouse regarding your child’s social media usage.

What if the Issue of Social Media Use Comes Up After the Divorce is Final?

If the issue of a teen’s TikTok addiction or how much time your child spends on all forms of social media arises after your divorce is finalized, you may ask for a modification of the allocation of parental responsibilities if you feel strongly about the issue.

Asking for a modification of parental responsibilities requires that your situation has substantially changed. If you are the parent asking for a modification, you have the burden of proof – you must show that the situation has changed and is serious enough to warrant a modification of parental responsibilities.  

Contact a Will County, IL Child Custody Lawyer

Issues regarding children can potentially cause more arguments between divorced parents than any other issue. Speaking to an experienced Naperville, IL allocation of parental responsibilities attorney can be beneficial in determining your options. Attorney Ronald L. Hendrix is a court-appointed mediator who holds a master’s degree in guidance and counseling in addition to his law degree. Our firm can answer all your questions during your free consultation. Contact Law Office of Ronald L. Hendrix, P.C. at 630-355-7776 today.