"Antonella's story - comments
Maddalena Cialdella, psychologist and psychotherapist
- induces multiple reflections: at a first level it refers to that phase of the life cycle of preteens and adolescents characterized by the desire to measure themselves against challenges, and the TikTok challenge is only one of the many present on the net and on social networks, a way to start feeling older, independent and accepted by peers.
At that age, however, there is no knowledge and perception of the risks involved.
This tragic story - continues the expert - also speaks of the regulatory function of adults, their normative function.
The crucial point is right here, in my opinion.
The educational ability, knowing how to provide rules and limits, appropriate to the age and developmental needs of their children.
No demonization of tools or social networks at all but their use must absolutely be regulated according to age and in any case always under the control of adults who must mark the times and times of use that in these long months of lockdown has grown with important percentages especially among minors.
It is very striking - continues the Cialdella - the fact that at the age of 10 a child owns a smartphone, have access to applications, use them or skillfully circumvent them.
So - he comments in conclusion - some actions become necessary such as that of a less evanescent parental control system on PCs and mobile phones, greater awareness on the part of adults that social networks are more and more than a "tool" but a space for interaction, a relaunch of the human relationship, a new listening pact between parents and children and a coordinated commitment with the school and all the educational institutions engaged in the same direction ". (ANSA).