TikTok Burns, Secret Ad Deals, and the 3-Hour Sweet Spot 

This week’s tech roundup highlights urgent issues for parents: a TikTok challenge causing severe burns, a warning about AI’s potential for addictive behavior, and an alleged covert deal between Google and Meta to target teens with ads. Stay informed to protect your family’s digital well-being.

TikTok Trend Sparks Concern

Boston health officials are alarmed by a TikTok trend involving homemade Tanghulu — a Chinese candied fruit — leading to severe burns. 

The trend involves melting sugar in the microwave and dipping fruit, but using inappropriate containers has caused sugar to splatter. 

Experts have seen numerous burn cases and advise parents to supervise and use proper safety measures.

Shriners hospital warns that new TikTok challenge is causing kids to get severe burns | Boston.com

The Rise of Addictive Intelligence

Experts warn of the growing threat posed by AI systems designed to be addictive, especially to younger users.

AI-driven platforms are increasingly tailored to maximize user engagement, potentially leading to compulsive behaviors in kids.

We need to prepare for ‘addictive intelligence’ | MIT Technology Review

Google and Meta Are Targeting Kids

An investigation revealed that Google and Meta secretly tracked kids and teens with targeted ads on educational websites, despite policies against such practices. 

These tech giants employed sophisticated ad strategies, raising ethical concerns about exploiting young users. 

The report emphasizes the need for stricter regulations to protect minors from invasive online advertising.

Google and Meta struck secret ads deal to target teenagers | Financial Times

Tablets and Tantrums

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics links tablet use between ages 3-5 with increased anger and frustration in children a year later. 

This association suggests that early tablet use might disrupt emotional regulation. 

Experts advise limiting screen time to prevent potential issues in managing emotions.

New study links early childhood tablet use to anger outbursts | CNN

The Power of a 3-hour-limit on Screens for Kids

A Denmark study led by Dr. Jesper Schmidt-Persson found that limiting screen time improved children’s mental health. 

Families that reduced screen media exposure to 3 hours per week saw better emotional regulation, communication, and fewer behavioral issues. 

Limit of 3 hours of weekly screen time for kids has ‘positive effect’ on behavior, mental health: study | Fox News

Life Without Smartphones: A Parent’s Experiment

A mother decided to make her teenage sons and their friends go without smartphones for four weeks, leading to surprising and positive results. 

The kids rediscovered the joys of face-to-face interaction, developed better focus, and even slept better without constant screen time. 

This experiment highlights the need for “collective action” to reduce smartphone use, which can significantly improve teens’ well-being.

What happened when I made my sons and their friends go without smartphones | The Times

Other Headlines

• Your new AI Friend is almost ready to meet you | The Verge

• Google and X lag peers in addressing non-consensual explicit images, lawmakers say | CNN

• U.S. Said to Consider a Breakup of Google to Address Search Monopoly | The New York Times

• Google Debuts A.I.-Powered Phones in Latest Attempt to Best the iPhone | The New York Times

• TikTok comes for messaging apps with addition of group messaging | Tech Crunch

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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