As an internet wellness advocate and mom, let me start with this: TikTok and Snapchat aren't evil. But it’s not safe for your third grader or my fifth grader to do dance challenges unsupervised and doom scroll either. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “Oh, they’re just scrolling—it’s harmless,” you’re being naive!! Let’s get real: handing these apps over to younger kids is like giving them the keys to a car before they’ve had driving lessons and Snapchat makes kids think their snaps disappear forever, but that’s simply not true. Screenshots, screen recording, or third-party apps can save snaps without even notifying the sender. This false sense of privacy can lead to risky behavior and even extortion. Here are three solid reasons why your kids don't need these apps too soon: 1. The Algorithm Is a Master Manipulator TikTok specifically doesn’t just show funny dog or cooking videos. Its algorithm hooks users with hyper-curated content. The problem? Your child’s developing bra...