When TikTok Took a Break

Last weekend, something strange happened on the internet. Many people, including older brothers, sisters, and parents, noticed that their favorite app, TikTok, was not working properly. This happened on a Saturday in March. For a little while, videos wouldn’t play, and people couldn’t share their fun dances or silly jokes. It was like when the school internet goes down, and you can’t watch the learning video your teacher picked!

TikTok is an app where people can watch and make very short videos. You might see someone telling a funny story, showing how to draw a cat, or dancing to a catchy song. It is used by millions of people all over the world to have fun and share ideas.

When the app stopped working well over the weekend, it made some people think. Grown-ups started talking about how much time we spend on our screens. They wondered if it’s always good to watch so many videos. Some people even said, “Maybe it’s okay if the app stays broken!” They think we should play outside, read books, or talk with our families more often.

This is an important lesson about balance. Balance means making sure we have time for all different kinds of activities. Just like we have a schedule at school for reading, math, recess, and lunch, we should have a schedule for our time at home. Screen time is time spent looking at phones, tablets, or TVs. It can be fun for watching a movie or learning a new fact. But it is also important to have play time, creative time, and quiet time without screens.

The problem with TikTok last weekend reminds us that technology doesn’t always work perfectly. Sometimes an app has a “glitch,” which is a small problem or mistake in its computer code. Just like sometimes your pencil breaks, technology can break too! When that happens, it’s a good chance to find another activity to enjoy.

So, whether you use apps like TikTok or not, the big idea is to be thoughtful. We can enjoy technology, but we shouldn’t forget all the other wonderful ways to learn and play. The world is full of interesting things to discover, both on a screen and off!

Vocabulary Words

Properly – The right way; working as it should.
Share – To let others see or use something you have.
Balance – Making sure no one thing gets too much time or attention.
Schedule – A plan that tells you what to do and when to do it.
Glitch – A small, unexpected problem with a machine or computer.

Comprehension Questions

When did TikTok have problems working?
A. On a Monday morning.
B. On a Saturday in March.
C. During school hours.
D. Last night.
What is TikTok?
A. A new type of clock.
B. An app for watching and making short videos.
C. A book about dancing.
D. A game you play outside.
What did some grown-ups say when TikTok broke?
A. They said to buy a new phone.
B. They said it was okay because we could play outside more.
C. They said to watch more TV instead.
D. They said computers are never fun.
What does the word “balance” mean in the story?
A. Standing on one foot.
B. Making time for different activities, not just screens.
C. A scale that weighs things.
D. Using only one app.
What is a “glitch”?
A. A new dance move.
B. A very bright light.
C. A small problem with a computer or machine.
D. A type of sandwich.