‘It’s hard to stop scrolling’: What Irish teens are watching on TikTok

From cute dance videos to antifeminist and racist ones, the social media app is a growing part of young people’s lives. There are concerns, though, about sleep deprivation, mental health, attention span – and the messages these young teenagers they are being relentlessly fed.

[ 'TikTok keeps me up all night’: Ireland’s teenagers on their relationship with the social media app ]

Irish Times parenting columnist Jen Hogan and journalist Patrick Freyne spent time with a group of teenagers, looking over their shoulder as they scrolled for hours on TikTok and talked to them about their relationship with the Chinese-owned app. They explain to In the News just how out of touch adults are when it comes to children’s online activity.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.