As we gather for Thanksgiving, it’s a great time to reflect on how tech impacts our kids. This week, Australia debates banning social media for under-16s to tackle bullying, while Meta pushes Apple and Google to verify users’ ages for added safety.
These moves could reshape how kids engage online — and how parents stay informed. Here’s what you need to know.
TikTok’s “Pink Tote Lid Moments” Trend
TikTok’s viral “pink tote lid moments” trend sheds light on childhood experiences of being belittled or abused by parents.
Originating from a teen’s now-deleted video, the trend has evolved into a platform for sharing both minor frustrations and chilling accounts of parental outbursts.
Mental health professionals highlight the trend’s educational potential but also caution against oversharing deeply personal stories online, citing risks of re-traumatization and negative feedback.
What Are ‘Pink Tote Lid Moments’? The Unsettling TikTok Trend, Explained | Forbes
Meta’s Age Verification Push Gains Ground in Congress
Meta is backing a new bill from Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Representative John James (R-Michigan) to make app stores, not apps, verify users’ ages.
The proposal aims to protect children online but faces privacy concerns and opposition from Apple.
Momentum is building as lawmakers debate national digital safety standards.
Meta gains steam in its push to make Apple, Google verify users’ ages | The Washington Post
Instagram Adds Location Sharing to DMs
Instagram now lets users share live locations via DMs for up to one hour, rivaling Apple’s Find My and Snapchat’s Snap Map.
The feature aims to simplify meetups and tracking in crowded spaces.
Additionally, Instagram introduced customizable nicknames for chats and 17 new sticker packs to enhance DM interactions.
Instagram takes on Snapchat with new location-sharing feature | Tech Crunch
TikTok Fame Meets Trouble
Marlena Velez, a TikTok influencer with 360,000 followers, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting $500 worth of goods from a Florida Target using fake barcodes.
Her social media posts documenting the theft helped police identify her, leading to a petty theft charge and a court date on Dec. 10.
TikTok Influencer Arrested After Allegedly Documenting Stolen Items | The New York Times
TikTok Restricts Beauty Filters for Teens
TikTok plans to block teens from using beauty-enhancing filters due to concerns over rising anxiety and self-esteem issues.
Some teens reported feeling their natural faces were unattractive after using these filters, highlighting the damaging psychological effects.
This is another great sign that social media platforms are responding to the pressure and making efforts to prioritize youth mental well-being and safety.
TikTok to block teenagers from beauty filters over mental health concerns | The Guardian
Meta Cracks Down on ‘Pig Butchering’ Investment Scams
Meta removed over 2 million accounts tied to global “pig butchering” scams, where fake personas lure victims into fraudulent investments.
Originating in Asia, these operations exploit dating apps, texts, and social media.
Criminal networks, often employing forced labor, have stolen $64 billion worldwide, prompting Meta’s sweeping crackdown.
School bullies have moved online. But is banning all under-16s from social media really the answer? | CNN
Other Headlines
- How to Add Extra Security Layers to Your Phone or Tablet | The New York Times
- The AI Was Was Never Just About AI | The Atlantic
- OpenAI’s Sora video generator appears to have leaked | Tech Crunch
- PlayAI clones voices on command | Tech Crunch
- The World’s Pioneering Tech Cop Is Making Her Exit | The New York Times
Did we miss anything?
Let us know in the comments below.
Author Jackie Baucom
Jackie is a Gabb staff writer. She is the mother of four children and is passionate about keeping kids safe, happy, loved, and thriving. She has a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Utah.
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