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| Illustration by Ai |
A recent study by Febri Ichwan Butsi and Eka Mawarni from Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara (UISU) has found that exposure to social media, particularly TikTok, is influencing how third-grade students communicate with their peers. Published in 2026 in the Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA), the research examined students at State Elementary School 106238 in Serbananti Village, Sipispis District, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra. The findings suggest that children frequently imitate language, phrases, and communication styles encountered on social media, especially when parental supervision is limited.
As smartphones and internet access become increasingly common across Indonesia, social media platforms are reaching younger audiences than ever before. While digital technology provides opportunities for learning and entertainment, researchers warn that early and unsupervised exposure may significantly influence children's language development, social interactions, and communication behavior.
Why This Research Matters
Indonesia has one of the largest internet populations in the world. According to data cited in the study, around 185 million Indonesians were internet users in early 2024, representing approximately 66.5 percent of the country's population. As digital access expands, elementary school children are increasingly becoming active consumers of online content.
Children between the ages of six and nine are in a developmental stage where imitation plays a major role in learning. They often absorb behaviors, language, and social norms from their surroundings. The emergence of TikTok and similar platforms introduces an additional source of influence beyond family members, teachers, and friends.
Researchers observed that many children in Serbananti Village were regularly accessing TikTok, YouTube, and online games using smartphones provided by their parents. In many cases, device usage occurred without consistent supervision.
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers employed a qualitative research design to gain an in-depth understanding of children's communication patterns and media exposure. The study focused on third-grade students at State Elementary School 106238 who were familiar with or actively used TikTok.
A purposive sampling approach was used to select participants. The study involved:
- 12 primary informants consisting of third-grade students aged approximately 8–9 years.
- Additional informants including parents or guardians.
- Teachers and educational professionals.
- A psychologist who provided expert perspectives on children's behavior and communication development.
Data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation, allowing researchers to examine how children interacted both online and offline.
Key Findings
The study identified several important patterns regarding social media exposure and children's communication behavior.
1. Children Frequently Imitate Content Seen on TikTok
Researchers found that students often repeated phrases, songs, and trends encountered on TikTok. In one observed example, a student repeatedly sang a popular TikTok phrase in class. Other students soon copied the expression despite not fully understanding its meaning.
This demonstrates how communication patterns can spread rapidly among children through imitation.
2. Communication Spreads Through Peer Networks
The study found that communication among children often follows a linear pattern. A phrase or behavior introduced by one child is adopted by others and gradually spreads throughout the group. Researchers observed that students frequently copied both social media trends and the behaviors of classmates.
3. Smartphone Access Drives Social Media Exposure
Most children exposed to TikTok had unrestricted or lightly supervised access to smartphones provided by parents or guardians. Device use ranged from approximately 30 minutes to more than one hour per day, depending on individual habits.
Researchers concluded that parental decisions regarding smartphone access play a critical role in determining children's level of social media exposure.
4. Boys and Girls Show Different Interests
The study also found differences in the type of content children preferred. Female students tended to pay closer attention to social media trends and popular TikTok content, while male students were generally more interested in gaming-related content.
Implications for Parents and Educators
The findings highlight the growing importance of digital literacy and parental involvement in children's online activities.
Researchers found that many parents were not fully aware of the long-term influence social media can have on communication habits and social development. Because children often behave differently when interacting with peers than when interacting with adults, parents may not immediately notice how online content affects their behavior.
The study suggests that efforts to reduce negative influences should begin with educating parents about responsible digital supervision. Increased awareness can help families guide children toward healthier media consumption habits and more constructive communication patterns.
For schools, the findings underscore the importance of incorporating media literacy education into the learning environment. Teachers can help students critically evaluate online content and encourage responsible communication both online and offline.
Researcher Perspective
According to Butsi and Mawarni of Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara, social media exposure among elementary school children is largely shaped by parental access policies and supervision practices. The researchers found that children quickly adopt language and behaviors they repeatedly encounter online and among peers, causing communication styles to spread throughout social groups.
The authors also noted that social media exposure is not entirely negative. From a linguistic perspective, exposure to digital content can enrich children's vocabulary and increase confidence in expressing themselves. However, because young children often lack the ability to independently distinguish beneficial content from harmful influences, guidance from adults remains essential.
Author Profile
Febri Ichwan Butsi, S.Sos., M.I.Kom. is a lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara. His research focuses on communication studies, media exposure, digital communication, and social behavior.
Eka Mawarni, S.Sos., M.I.Kom. is an academic and communication researcher at Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara whose work explores media influence, communication patterns, and contemporary social issues in Indonesian society.
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