Ds1 is 11 & in Year 6. He has recently gone back to school so able to see a little of some friends this way.
I have noticed that he does not spend much time messaging his friends any more (we have Family Link & I see it on there). When i asked him why he said because most of the discussion is about Tiktok which he doesn't have & 'most others do'. Upon questioning, there are 4 boys including him who don't have it & about 6 who do, from the main group of boys he would consider friends.
I know he struggles somewhat with friendships & never considers himself to be part of the main group, so I wonder if it's worth letting him get it, so he's not left out? I had heard it's not great, but I don't know how accurate that is or if there is a way of modifying/supervising it? He does play Xbox, mainly Fortnite & Fifa, sometimes with friends & sometimes alone & in lighter evenings he will go out with a couple of friends on bikes, socially distancing, so he does at least have some friends. He is currently not due to go to the same senior school as any of them in September, although is 3rd place in a waiting list so may go with 4 others if he moves up.
I will also add that at his age & all through senior school too, I was never part of the main crowd & found it tough. It still leaves me with some insecurities, although I know I shouldn't pass these on.