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TikTok and children: An Introduction

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In process
Authors
Lee, jin
Abidin, crystal
Leaver, Tama
Date
2025
Type
Journal Article

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Citation
Lee, J. and Abidin, C. and Leaver, T. 2025. TikTok and children: An Introduction. International Journal of Cultural Studies.
Source Title
International Journal of Cultural Studies
DOI
ISSN
Faculty
Faculty of Humanities
School
School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry
Funding and Sponsorship
The contribution of Lee and Leaver was supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child (Project Number CE200100022). Abidin's contribution was supported by Strategic Research Funding (SRI) awarded to her by the Faculty of Humanities and the Research Office at Curtin University, for the development of the TikTok Cultures Research Network.
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Abstract

TikTok's global popularity among children has sparked intense debate worldwide. Some argue that the platform's algorithmic design leads children down a rabbit hole of compulsive content consumption and encourages the imitation of socially harmful behaviours. Others highlight its positive role as a space for children to express their voices on social issues and engage in socialization. This Special Issue on TikTok and Children arises within this context as an attempt to explore the complicated issues surrounding the presence of children on TikTok, their usage of the app, and the cultures they partake in and proliferate on the platform. By showcasing a range of topics, methodologies, and disciplinary framings on how to study children and TikTok, the Special Issue provides a meaningful opportunity to think about balanced and practical approaches to maximise children's rights and agency, and to leverage on the range of platform cultures for positive child development.