Influenced by TikTokers and YouTubers, children produce videos in which they cut the last syllable of words

A new trend that cuts the last syllable of words is the latest craze on TikTok: the dry cut trend. In the game, children say “Vou fazer li” instead of “Vou fazer aula” and “Quero brincar de bola” becomes “Quero brincar de bo”. These videos have been so successful that one of them has been viewed over 3 million times. The trend, which especially affects the 5 to 12 year old age group, has caught the attention of educators and experts. After all, could this be detrimental to children’s development?

While everything can be seen as just a game, it is important to be aware of what generates this craze and its consequences. One concern is that the trend is the result of the influence of YouTubers and excessive screen time, which can have negative consequences for children’s development, warns Ligia Martines Pereira, coordinator of Elementary School – Initial Years at Colégio Marista Londrina. “Although digital platforms offer several opportunities for learning and entertainment, it is essential that their use is balanced and supervised by adults. Constant exposure to visual and audio stimuli can harm children’s ability to concentrate and pay attention, affecting their development,” she says. 

Trend can generate impacts on learning

Furthermore, it is necessary to analyze the impacts of the trend on school performance and language development of children, especially those who are in the literacy phase. “By cutting the last syllable, they may be compromising the formation of their vocabulary and understanding of grammatical structure. In the Portuguese language, the last syllables are essential to indicate gender, tense and verbal person. Therefore, by suppressing this part of the word, the child may have difficulty understanding and applying these concepts”, reinforces Kátia Oliveira da Silva Xavier, Portuguese teacher at Marista Escola Social Ecológica.

It is important to remember that literacy involves understanding the relationships between letters, sounds and meanings. Practicing dry cutting can interfere with this process, since the child may associate incomplete words with their meanings, limiting their vocabulary and making it difficult to express ideas completely and accurately: “Repeated dry cutting can lead the child to develop incorrect speaking and writing habits, such as omitting sounds and forming truncated words. In other words, the tendency can be fun, but it is important to be cautious and consider its possible impacts on language development,” observes Ligia.

Limiting screen use is essential

The use of screens and the influence of digital influencers can be positive or negative, depending on how they are used. In the case of the dry cut trend, parents and educators should be aware of this practice and provide children with an environment that is conducive to the development of a rich and complete language. To ensure well-being and healthy development, it is essential to adopt some simple but very effective measures regarding the use of tablets and cell phones. “The digital world offers countless possibilities, but parents need to set limits and guide their children on the healthy use of electronic devices. It is important, for example, to define specific times for screen use, such as after completing schoolwork or during leisure time,” advises the coordinator. 

Some attitudes can help reduce the effects of “dry cutting” and the influence of TikTokers and YouTubers on children’s behavior. Check it out:

Control screen usage

Limiting the amount of time spent using tablets and cell phones is essential for healthy childhood development, when children need more varied stimuli than content produced on social media. Furthermore, when watching a cartoon, for example, it is a good idea to prioritize low-stimulation content, which prevents agitation and anxiety. 

Pay attention to vocabulary

The trend can be especially harmful for children, who may have their vocabulary development and textual interpretation impaired. After all, in the Portuguese language the last syllables represent the gender, tense and person of the verb and, if omitted, it can make communication difficult.

Establish specific locations for use 

One way to limit screen time is to establish when and where screen time is allowed. Avoid screen time before bed or during meals, and encourage regular breaks during screen time to engage in other activities, such as playing outside or reading a book. Be a role model for your children by limiting your own screen time and showing interest in other activities. 

Encourage offline activities

Promote activities away from screens, such as outdoor play, reading, and conversation. In addition, it is important to establish an open and trusting dialogue, talk about the use of social networks, explain the benefits and risks, and encourage open communication.

Nathalie Maia
www.pg1com.com