Pat's Answer

Hi, thank you so much for getting in touch with us. 

Your question on TicTok is interesting as it is a trend this summer for lots of young people. 

You sound very sensible in reaching out on how to ask your parents to seek their permission to be on your friend’s private account. We are a bit unsure whether you want to be a part of one of your friend’s posts or whether you want to be able to use your friend’s account.

It is always good practice that when you are on online platforms to be safe. We would always say to link in with your parents or guardians before setting up an account on any online platform and to follow guidelines for staying safe, for example making your account private, only befriending people who you know offline, using just a user name, not giving any personal information.  

Asking your parents’ permission to do anything that you feel they may prevent you from doing, is always a hard conversation to have. It sounds like you have great respect for your relationship with your parents. Have you thought about when might be a good time where you can sit down with your parents and have the chat with them? A time when there is nothing else going on, no other distractions. Knowing what you are going to say and how you will explain why you want to go on your friend’s private account could be helpful.

If you would like to chat with Childline before or after you talk to your parents, you would be very welcome. Childline is a free service to children and young people 18 years old and younger. The service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Childline does not judge what you say or do, but will listen to what you have to say. There are a few ways to get in touch, through the telephone service at 1800 66 66 66, the text service at 50101 and there is also the web chat that is available through www.childline.ie   

Thank you for  contacting Ask Pat. 

Mind yourself and stay safe, 

Pat