Silhouette Challenge: What Parents Need to Know
Become a member or log in to learn more on this topic
Superintendents, Directors and Principals: Request a partnership on this page to unlock our resources for your whole community.
Become a member or log in to learn more on this topic
Superintendents, Directors and Principals: Request a partnership on this page to unlock our resources for your whole community.
For a limited time, this guide is available for everyone.
Districts: Click here to set up a call with us to discuss how to make this available for your community all year long.
Parents: Consider becoming a member to get access to all of our guides all year long.
Table of Contents
What is the Silhouette Challenge?
- Users record a video of themselves, often dancing, with a TikTok red filter applied that makes them look like a dark silhouette
- The challenge started as a way to promote positive body image
Silhouette Challenge warnings in the news

After some internet users discovered a method to edit the filter into revealing women’s bodies, brightened versions of the videos were soon shared online. Tutorials on ‘removing the red filter’ have appeared on YouTube, garnering thousands of views.

This counter-trend has perverted the intentions of the challenge, leading some influencers to warn people against participating in the challenge.
Why should parents care about the Silhouette Challenge?
- If students are filming their silhouette challenge videos partially naked or nude, their images are not completely safe and other users can see the original video
What can parents do about the Silhouette Challenge?
- Talk with your student about positive body image and appropriate clothing for public viewing, regardless of what they think others can see
- Ask your student if they have participated in the silhouette challenge and if they have, ask them what they were wearing behind the filter
- Discuss the loss of control over your images and videos when posting them to any social media site
- Enroll in the SmartSocial VIP (Very Informed Parent) program to learn more about TikTok and more ways to talk with your student about shining online
Conclusion
Social media challenges often have "hidden" dangers students do not know about from watching short clips of others participating. Parents and students can work together to determine the potential side-effects or dangers before participating in a social media challenge, like the Silhouette Challenge.
Share Your Thoughts With Our Team
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *