The Influence of TikTok Social Media on the Character of Elementary School Students: A Literature Review

Abstract

TikTok is widely used by elementary school children, yet its relationship with their character development is still debated. This study aimed to describe TikTok use among elementary school students, examine its influence on student character, and identify the factors behind that influence. A literature review was conducted by collecting books, scientific journal articles, and previous studies on the topic, and the data were analysed descriptively. The review shows that TikTok is popular among elementary students because it is easy to use and has attractive features. Reported positive impacts include creativity, self-confidence, communication skills, digital literacy, and its use as an engaging learning medium. Reported negative impacts include reduced learning concentration, weaker discipline and responsibility for school tasks, less face-to-face interaction, and imitation of inappropriate behaviour. The influence depends on the intensity of use, the type of content, family environment, parental and teacher supervision, and children’s ability to evaluate information critically. Because the evidence comes largely from perception-based and small-scale studies, the findings indicate associations rather than causal effects. Proper guidance and supervision are therefore essential so that TikTok is used constructively, and field studies with students are needed.