Many people argue that TikTok and other social media platforms can be harmful to users, and they have strong points. Social media has been found to cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns in its teen audience. However, it can also do good.

On November 2nd, a 16-year old North Carolina girl was reported missing by her parents. Two days later, a driver noticed the girl motioning for help out of the window of a car. When he called the police, he mentioned both the hand signal and that she “appeared to be in distress”. Both had learned the signal on TikTok, and in this way the girl was able to communicate that she was in danger. The man driving the girl, 61-year old James Herbert Brick, was immediately arrested, and the girl was able to return home safely.

This hand signal, created by the Canadian Women’s Foundation and spread by various TikTok influencers, is simple and can be performed discreetly. It represents violence at home or needing help. To do it, raise your palm like you’re about to give a high five, tuck in your thumb, and fold your fingers over your thumb. You can think of it as “trapping” your thumb with your other fingers. This way, you can ask for help without notifying anyone that could hurt you for doing so.

While this signal of distress has been widely shared due to media coverage of this story, be aware that it is not the only one. Other signals can include the SOS signal (three short sounds, three long sounds, and three short sounds again, or …—…), mouthing of words like “I need help,” a black dot in the middle of the palm, or just an overall expression of distress, If these signals are accompanied by wounds around the neck or on the face, call the authorities immediately.

If you see a person sending these signals, with or without physical wounds, take action and alert the local authorities. Share this information with people that you know and make sure to pay attention to your surroundings. By working together to understand preventable violence, kidnappings and cases of domestic violence can be resolved, and criminals can be brought to justice.