Adolescent-Parent conflict in the era of ‘TikTok’: Case reports from Nepal

ABSTRACT

Background TikTok is a recent type of video-sharing and lip-syncing online platform that is influencing adolescents rapidly and is likely to surge in view of increased use of smart-phones, internet use, ‘Lockdown’ period due to COVID-19pandemic and increasing online transactions, teachings and daily affairs worldwide. Case presentation Two teenaged girls from southern Nepal brought by their parents with problematic use of TikTok and behavioural problems that followed .They were engrossed in the mobile application that resulted in impairment at a personal, social, educational and family functioning.In addition to that, parents did not accept it on cultural grounds. However, patients did not consider it problematic .Gradually, they developed symptoms of depression, conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder but did not fulfill criteria of any disorder. The provisional diagnosis of Behavioural addiction was considered and Cognitive behavioural therapy planned. These cases posed diagnostic dilemma, challenging treatment sessions and partial success. Conclusions The line between normal and abnormal use of such mobile application is hazy in context of its social acceptability and growing use. The conflict appeared between traditional values and modern means of entertainment poses therapeutic challenge. Authors advise parental involvement, psychotherapeutic means, behavioral therapy and a collaborative approach with adolescents rather than pharmacotherapy for comprehensive treatment.