5 Shocking Reasons Parents Are Deleting Kids’ Social Media Apps NOW

By Familyguide Contributor

In light of the ongoing conflict in Israel, educational institutions in both the United States and Israel are strongly advising parents to remove TikTok and Instagram from their children’s devices. This recommendation comes as Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, threatens to share graphic and disturbing footage on these platforms.

The Times of Israel notes that it’s a common strategy for terrorist groups holding hostages to release videos containing pleas, violence, and even executions. With approximately 150 individuals currently held captive in Gaza, including women, children, and the elderly, Hamas has issued warnings of potential hostage executions in response to strikes on Gaza.

According to Forbes, one school sent a message to parents stating: “We’ve received information that videos of hostages pleading for their lives may soon be released. We urge you to remove TikTok from your children’s devices. It’s crucial that we shield our children from such content.”

The message further emphasized the difficulty in managing the overwhelming amount of content circulating on various social media platforms.

A private school in New Jersey informed parents that Israeli psychologists have reached out, relaying the Israeli government’s recommendation for children to immediately delete Instagram and TikTok. The school strongly advised its students to follow this guidance as soon as possible.

An educational institution in Tel Aviv issued a similar advisory, stressing the importance of protecting children from such disturbing content and acknowledging the challenges of controlling information on social media.

In Brooklyn, New York, the Hannah Senesh Community Day School encouraged parents to at least restrict their children’s social media usage. Nicole Nash, the school’s head, suggested that parents consider asking their children to remove these apps, at least temporarily.

Jocelyn Brewer, a psychologist and cyberpsychology consultant, emphasized the importance of parents having clear, sensitive conversations with their children about the potential for extreme content to spread rapidly on social media platforms.

As the situation unfolds, continued prayers and support for Israel and all those affected by the violence are encouraged.

Familyguide previously reported on Sadie Robertson Huff’s Instagram post expressing her heartbreak over the situation in Israel. The DUCK DYNASTY star shared a photo of the Sea of Galilee, reflecting on the peaceful memories of her visit and expressing her devastation at the current state of conflict in the region.

“I took this picture at the Sea of Galilee when I was visiting Israel because I specially remember how peaceful the view was and how peaceful I felt,” she began. “It’s hard to believe that today this beautiful place is at war… I’m devastated by what is happening. Heartbroken for the people and the nation. I don’t have many words, but we are praying intently for everyone there right now. God be with us.”