This video and these parent-teen discussion guides are designed to help you talk with your adolescent about their technology habits and about preventing online sexual violence.
How far are you willing to go to get likes?
What’s the video about?
Jay starts a live video and invites his viewers to watch it. At the same time, he films himself and posts the video on another social network to attract more viewers. He says he’ll carry off challenges based on how many likes he gets. First, with 30 likes, he’ll play one of the songs he’s composed; at 50 likes he’ll reveal his crush; at 75 likes he’ll go out with his crush; at 100 likes he’ll take off his shirt, and so on. A person in the chat asks him to show off his abs, which he does. He invites his viewers to set new challenges for him for more likes, and exclaims “nothing’s gonna stop me!”
Discussion
What are the apps that let you do live videos?
Possible answers
– YouTube
– Twitch
– Tik Tok
Do you or people you know ever do live videos?
If so, who are the viewers?
What generally happens on the live videos you watch or make?
And what types of comments do the viewers leave?
In the video, we see that Jay is trying to boost the number of people who watch his video and the number of likes he gets.
What makes the number of likes important for Jay, or for young people in general?
Likes and number of followers are important for a lot of young people.
What do they get out of these things, in your view?
Possible answers
– Validation and the feeling of being important.
– The feeling of being loved, admired and accepted.
– A feeling of popularity, of being part of a group.
– Encouragement that boosts their spirits.
– Self-confidence.
In your view, what might be the risks of doing live videos?
Possible answers
– In relation to the appeal of popularity and likes:
– To get noticed, you might be convinced to do things you wouldn’t necessarily do offline.
– The fleeting and relaxed nature of live videos could lead you to do things or say things without thinking.
– People watching could take screenshots.
– You might involuntarily be giving out personal information to the people watching (based on things that show in the background or things you say).
In the video, you can see that Jay is responding to his friends’ requests.
In your view, why is Jay agreeing to accept his friends’ challenges without questioning them?
What would you do if you saw something inappropriate happen in a live video, or if someone asked you to do something inappropriate during a live video?
Possible answers
– Talk about it with a trusted adult.
– Report the person in the app.
– Say you’re not okay with it.
– Block the person.
In the video, Jay says he’ll take on several challenges.
What are the various online challenges you’ve heard of?
In your view, do some challenges carry risks for you or for others?
Possible answers
– There are lots of online challenges, and new ones regularly become popular.
– Many challenges are creative and fun, but some involve serious health or safety risks (e.g.: making someone fall, filling your mouth with something, etc.).
– You might feel obliged to take part if your friends are doing it.
-Some challenges encourage people to do things that are illegal.
As a parent, you’re a major player in your teenager’s education, particularly when it comes to sexuality. You act as a model by conveying your values and sharing everyday life with them. By talking about these topics with your teen, you’re building a trusting relationship and a climate of openness when it comes to sexuality, which helps protect them from sexual violence.
Taking the time to talk with your teenager about subjects that concern them is an effective way to position yourself as a trusted adult they can turn to in case of distress or other need.
Do you have questions, an emergency situation, or just need to talk?
La Ligne Parent is a 24/7 professional help line that’s free for parents: 1 800 361-5085 (in French).
