: “Father publicly reprimands daughter. Dangers and controversy on social media. Minors at risk online.”
In a viral TikTok video, a young girl is seen being forced to publicly apologize after her father reprimanded her for participating in the ‘twerking’ phenomenon. This hip movement dance has taken over social media, especially among women. “I am recording this video to apologize to my family and friends for the photos and videos I have been posting that degrade me,” the teenager reads in front of the camera, while her father holds a sheet of paper with her written public apology. “I do this with shame, because this is not the education my parents taught me,” she says before her father’s harsh intervention.
The visibly upset father questions his daughter’s actions and urges her to reflect on her online behavior. “Is this you? Do those videos represent you in any way? You are a girl from a good family, who studies and does well in school (…) You don’t need to be showing off your butt, that’s what prostitutes do and you are nothing like that,” he emphasizes.
The scene has sparked debate about the content minors share on digital platforms and the associated dangers. This incident highlights parents’ growing concerns about the safety and influence of social media on their children. Experts warn about the risks associated with minors’ participation in online platforms, pointing out a series of dangers beyond the simple posting of sensual videos.
One of the major dangers minors face on social media is the risk of being victims of sexual predators. Online crime researchers warn about this. Cyberbullying also poses a significant threat. Minors can be harassed by both anonymous individuals and real-life acquaintances.
Detecting signs of cyberbullying, such as sudden mood changes, low grades, or increased solitary time, becomes crucial in addressing this issue. In addition, experts warn about scams, phishing, and malware that can affect minors on social media, as it compromises confidential information and exposes them to inappropriate content.
Gaming and chat platforms are other areas of risk in the digital realm. Online interaction with strangers during games and the inappropriate content shared by influencers can generate negative changes in minors’ perception and behavior.
Another aspect to consider is minors’ limited understanding of cybersecurity. Parents and educators play a crucial role in this area, where the use of parental control tools, teaching children about the importance of cybersecurity, and implementing measures such as two-factor authentication and identifying official websites become increasingly essential.
In summary, the case of the Hispanic girl reprimanded by her father highlights the challenges parents face in the digital age. Beyond the family controversy, attention is focused on the urgent need to educate minors about online dangers and provide them with the necessary tools to protect their safety and well-being in the vast world of social media. The responsibility falls on parents, educators, and society as a whole to ensure that minors navigate the web safely and consciously.
