Weve put together a comprehensive guide to help you determine the best course of action for your childs TikTok use. This is one way that too much time on TikTok may affect a child's mental health, just as too much time on the Internet can. From there, select the features you want to enable: Screen Time Management. If you're worried about something a child or young person may have experienced online, you can contact the NSPCC helpline for free support and advice. However, don't just set the controls and never check in with your child again. April 24, 2022 There are currently many social networks that, as a parent, you should keep track of your child engaging in. Lock the setting with a passcode. If you find someone that you don't want to have access to your profile and videos, you can then block them. Younger Users also cannot publicly share personal information, including videos or profile details. This "Family Safety Mode" lets parents link to their teenager's TikTok account and control "Digital Wellbeing features," according to an article published by TikTok. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? A 10-year-old girl has died after doing the "Blackout Challenge" that she reportedly saw on the social media platform TikTok.The child, from Italy, was taken to a hospital in Palermo in cardiac . Currently, a video-sharing app called TikTok is one of the most prevalent, especially among teens. Poppy Playtime: Is This Popular Horror Game Safe for Kids? TikTok has a feature that allows two users who aren't in the same place to perform a duet. nhc nn - SharkTank. Who you follow and what you like can give others more information than you might want to share, but you can easily set TikTok so that no one but you can see your follower list and liked videos. They also have restricted access to direct messages and livestreaming. 2K Likes, TikTok video from SharkTank (@sharktank_tiktok): "A 10-year-old girl introduces a safe and fun spoon design for kids - Part 2 #sharktank #foryou #fyp #projectpollo #deal #money #show #foryoupage #fyp". Read questions that others are asking about this popular social media app in our FAQs. You will also notice if a dangerous challenge is trending, like the #tidepodchallenge that was devastatingly fatal for some teens. Social media also exposes kids to violent, graphic, or misinformed content they might not be ready to see. If you are an Android or Amazon device family, you can also use Bark to monitor TikTok text chats. You might post videos on TikTok for everyone to see, but that doesn't necessarily mean you want everyone to be able to see who you're following or which videos you like. In 2021, the Irish Data Protection Commission investigated TikTok for its user data collection methods. Enable These Privacy Settings Right Now TikTok can be a dangerous place, especially for children. While waiting for this feature to launch in America, you can take the following measures to keep your kid safe. The nature of social media is risky because anyone could have access to your child or their information through some means. However, the lack of these features makes it unappealing for most kids. You can also ask about any friends they've met online and what types of videos they share. If your 12-year-old tween wants TikTok, there are several things you can do to let them enjoy the fun side of TikTok while keeping them safe. What if my kid wants to get famous on TikTok? The ways that creators dance or dress may not be appropriate for all kids, either. The last section on this page is Safety. A large part of keeping your kids safe on TikTok is about reducing contact with strangers or harmful content. This setting limits users' time in the app per day. Learn why kids participate in viral social media challenges and how you can help them make responsible decisions. "Even if you set your own account to private, you may still be exposed to sexual or violent content posted to the public feed," she says. The problem with Younger Users is that its not TikTok for Kids. Its TikTok with Fewer Features. Children may simply lie about their age in order to access all of TikToks fun features. If you. You should consider your child's level of responsibility, self-regulation and impulsivity. Social media apps are known for harmful effects on mental health, like increased depression and anxiety, according to researchers. However, you should still review the settings to ensure they've been set up correctly. You'll now be able to see everyone who's viewed your profile in the last 30 days. By default, TikTok collects a lot of data about user activity. Privacy / Parents can also disable their kid's search functionality and prevent other users from seeing which videos their kid has liked. Here are some of our favourite internet safety resources to help you learn more about e-safety for 6-10 year-olds and pass on the message to them. However, TikTok does have several privacy and safety features built into the app. While full use of TikTok is technically limited to ages 13 and up, children can easily get around that by putting in a false birthdate. Choosing to monitor your child on social media can be a difficult decision, but doing whats best for their safety is the priority. Or you can use your phone contacts or social media followers to find friends already on the app. Kids familiar with these examples might be persuaded to do or share things they wouldn't normally do to get a larger audience. In the meantime, however, you can begin educating them about internet safety and online privacy. They won't be able to publish the video without selecting who will be allowed to see it. Parents have several options when it comes to monitoring their childrens accounts. Fortunately there are several features buried in your TikTok settings to help you moderate your comments and eliminate spam and hateful comments. The app is popular for viral dances and celebrity cameos and is a creative and fun platform for teens to enjoy. "And many chase after that popularity by taking part in challenges, which can often be dangerous. However, exposure to age-inappropriate material can still occur, and parental supervision is recommended. TikTok is intended for 13+ users according to the app's community guidelines. To set up Family Pairing so you can manage the above settings, plus safety and privacy, first download TikTok onto your phone and create an account. With more than a decade of experience, he covers Apple and Google and writes on iPhone and Android features, privacy and security settings and more. Children can easily bypass privacy measures if not supervised by an adult. There are two main reasons why you should set up your own account on TikTok. "Some children might set their account up with a fake age, to appear older than they are, and this makes it more likely that they will be exposed to content that is not suitable for them.". The following is what TikTok collects about its users on both the regular app and the Younger Users version, according to the companys privacy policy. Users include those with non-gaming interests like anime, TV series, music, and more. If a video doesn't perform well or generates negative comments, this might lower their self-esteem and/or make them feel lonely. In general, there are better social media alternatives for 10-year-olds. : Frequently Asked Questions. I'm the mom of a beautiful girl and identical twin boys. Accessibility, Six safety settings to help keep your child safe, Online safety for families and children with SEND, The Omaze Million Pound House Draw winners announced, Promoting your fundraising on social media, London Landmarks Skyscraper Challenge 2023. Below, we provide general pointers on how to keep kids safe on TikTok. Only users age 16 and over can livestream and use direct messaging, and only users over 18 can buy, send, or receive virtual gifts. Even with limits, it's easy to find people wearing revealing clothing and dancing suggestively, although TikTok won't let you search for objectionable content such as "porn.". Proud to be ranked in all 10 pediatric specialties the last five years. For starters, TikTok presents an endless stream of video content, and the apps algorithm means youre always one scroll away from a video that will capture your attention. The nature of social media is risky because anyone could have access to your child or their information through some means. In addition to security issues, there are other problems with the social media app that could cause issues for your child. Offer to hold the camera or turn it around to do a selfie duet. What is TikTok?How safe is TikTok?How does TikTok work?Is TikTok appropriate for kids?What age is TikTok recommended for?Can kids under 13 use TikTok?How can you make your TikTok account private?How can I use TikTok with my kids?How do you do a duet on TikTok?What are TikTok challenges?Does TikTok have parental controls?How can I monitor my kid's activity on TikTok?What if my kid wants to get famous on TikTok?Should I be concerned about TikTok's security? Go toProfile>three-dash menu>Settings and privacy>Privacy>Mentions and tags,and configure these settings: You can restrict who mentions and tags you on TikTok. If it sounds like TikTok is fertile ground for a lot of fun and a good deal of trouble, that's because it is. But TikTok's emphasis on popular music means many videos include swearing and sexual lyrics, so it may not be age-appropriate for kids to use on their own. She herself did this with her tween son and they skipped past inappropriate posts and discussed why sharing certain content on the platform isn't wise. RELATED: The Parents Guide to Getting Their First Phoneand Teaching Them to Be Good Digital Citizens, Jordan encourages parents to have open, honest, and ongoing conversations about what's happening in this digital space, noting, "If your child uses the app and you have not yet sat down with them to look at it together, that would be a great first step.". They also talked about how screenshots and screen recording tech can mean something seemingly impermanent might become a meme that haunts you. It's easy to encounter inappropriate content. While it was established that TikTok doesnt use data any differently than other media platforms, they are not innocent. https%3A%2F%2Fvpnoverview.com%2Finternet-safety%2Fkids-online%2Fis-tiktok-safe-for-kids%2F. Ensuring a childs safety on the internet can be a tedious undertaking. Blocking an account may not always be enough. Users can block and report accounts or comments, but critics say TikTok is often slow in addressing reports. All accounts created by 13-16-year-olds are set to private by default. Is TikTok safe for 9 year olds? They also have restricted access to direct messages and livestreaming. "We also discussed why it's so important to have a private account and only connect with people you truly know in real life," Jordan says. "Ranging from overtly sexual TikToks to physically dangerous stunts that kids may want to recreate, to overtly racist and discriminatory commentary, there is a wide range of concerning content on the platform. TikTok has been the target of some controversy over its privacy policies. Not only can you report individual accounts, but also specific videos, comments and direct messages. For its younger users, TikTok collects less data (though it still captures registration details including name, birth date, username, and password). This feature requires access to your childs account through their personal device to set up. No, TikTok does not promote a safe environment for kids below 13 as it is home to mature and vulgar content. The default is referred to as "For You," which is an algorithmically generated stream of videos similar to Instagram's Explore page, Wired explains. "The law requires companies to obtain parental consent to collect the data of kids under 13, and TikTok did not do so. "Download the app yourself and see what it's all about so you can answer questions or even ask your child about what they're seeing on an app. The lawsuit that led to their Under 13 version of the app occurred because they illegally stored the data of minors. Fight seasonal allergies in kids. The most popular social media apps are always changing, and it can be a challenge for parents to keep up. Our children are living in a digital world. While this set-up could support child's artistic impulses, it might also cause anxiety, Jordan says. TikToks limited version of the platform for those under 13 has extended privacy policies and restrictions. TikTokis thesecond-most popular social media site among American teenagers-- and for obvious reasons. Most of the popular challenges, such as the intricately choreographed dance number Renegade and pranks such as the backwards hoodie fridge mixup are harmless. Odds are theyll already know about some of the problems with social media and will be fine to make sure privacy settings are set correctly. No place on the internet is entirely safe for kids, including the TikTok app. Discord requires that users be at least 13 years old, although they do not verify users' age upon signup. If your child sets up a false account, then their data and information can be used in accordance with TikToks terms and conditions. The easiest way to maintain your privacy on TikTok is to make your account private, meaning only people you actively allow can view your profile and videos. Finally, Family Pairing gives parents morecontrol over the settings for screen time, restricted mode, direct messaging, and whether or not the account is private. Learn about the dangers of TikTok and how to keep your child safe by reading our article here. Have an open dialogue about the app and internet safety practices. Only friends can comment on videos, and other users can't duet (explained below) with your videos. Then select "Digital Wellbeing" next to the icon of an umbrella. There is nothing to stop predators from grooming kids. For example, internet slang like 5ex (sex) or CU46 (see you for sex) can be considered a red flag. Your information is safe and you can easily unsubscribe at any time. If these options are activated, TikTok and its third-party business partners will track internet activity so they can show your teen more relevant ads. According to Jordan,. This is a pain that won't go away.. New safety features were introduced as of August 2021. "TikTok is a platform that encourages performance, and many of its users are excited to showcase their talents. TikTok is also a lot more . First, you'll need to find the mentions and tags settings. Using any social network can be risky, but it's possible for kids to safely use the app with adult supervision (and a private account). Laura Bedrossian, vice president, social strategy, at integrated marketing communications agency Hot Paper Lantern, reminds parents that knowledge is power. After changing to a private account, only users that you approve can follow your account and watch your videos, but existing followers are allowed to continue following you. Comments on any social media service can quickly turn hostile, and TikTok is no exception. "Kids who admit to depression are often met with dismissive and sarcastic reactions," she says. For instance, proof of identity is required when verifying users applying for a Pro Account. With the Stitch feature, your video and someone else's video are integrated into each other -- you can edit a portion of their video into yours. If you swipe left, you'll see a more personally curated feed called "Following," featuring uploads from the people you choose to follow. If a teen reaches their limit, they have to enter a passcode to keep scrolling. Children's Health will not sell, share or rent your information to third parties. They did this to comply with COPPA or the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. Nelson Aguilar March 2, 2023 5:50 a.m. PT 8 min read. Nelson Aguilar is an LA-based tech how-to writer and graduate of UCLA. Lastly, some children may turn to social media apps like TikTok because they are seeking affirmation or praise online. The platform also has communication features that allow users to privately message each other which could put your child at risk of being contacted by someone they dont know. With older children, you can have a conversation to agree on reasonable limits as well as reasonable consequences if the rules are broken. Parents can manage screen time, restrict content, and limit direct messages or turn off the feature completely. This can be a great way to show an interest in what your child is doing but also will help you talk to them about some of the risks and the different privacy settings available. Because TikTok uses algorithms to show users new content, its easy for young people to come across inappropriate or upsetting videos. Then, make sure you have your kid's phone and their TikTok login handy. Powerful Stories About Martin Luther King Jr. How can you make your TikTok account private? Chances are they wont. One of the unique dangers of TikTok is how easily it allows users to create and share visual content. That said, TikTok doesn't necessarily have a perfect record when it comes to privacy and security. Copyright 2023 NSPCC / All rights reserved. This way, youll see what theyre posting, who they interact with, and what videos they like. This offers a passcode-enabled screen time management system, as well as a restricted mode to limit the appearance of inappropriate content. Terms of use / They just want to watch funny videos on their phone. Online safety activities to do with your child. According to the TikTok policy, the user must be at least 13 years old to use the app's full features. This doesnt mean you spy on their activity every day, but that you spot-check activity regularly to look for red flags. TikTok users under the age of 13 count as Younger Users.. TikTok is no exception to this trend. Only users over the age of 16 can record live videos or use the private messaging feature. Parents want to keep their kids safe not only at school, in the playground, and at home but online too. Once logged in, you can find videos by searching for popular creators, categories (like comedy, animals, sports), and hashtags. Luckily, it's easy to find everyone who has looked at your profile. Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help. Using any social network can be risky, but it's possible for kids to safely use the app with adult supervision (and a private account). There's also the worry of violent and obscene videos coming up in their timelines. Our app reviews will guide you toward the best apps for this age group, and steer you away from the ones that aren't worth your time. There are still other ways to download videos from TikTok, especially with third-party services. The app can be safe for teens with proper parental guidance. Under Digital Wellbeing, youll also see Restricted Mode. A Comprehensive Guide for Parents. No matter which social media platform your child is usingeven if it's a purportedly trustworthy, limited version aimed at children, like YouTube Kidsthey'll likely come across potential safety issues. Toggle mobile navigation and focus the search field, Preparing for Your Visit or Stay at Children's, Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills. You can post it or save it as "private" so only you can see. Other tools that offer parental controls and monitoring services include Secure Teen and Norton Family Premier. Up until recently, creating an account meant giving access to your phones clipboard even when you werent using the app. However, the Under 13 function of TikTok is safe for children who dont meet the age requirements. Learn more. Inappropriate content can affect your child's brain and thinking ability. Learn more about Amazon Lockers. What Are Some Basic Social Media Rules for High Schoolers? All rights reserved. "When videos aren't funny or successful, they're referred to as 'cringey,'" Jordan explains. Now, lip-synching is still a major theme on the app, but TikTok's content runs the gamut from clips involving taking weird challenges to others that feature songs destined to blow up pop charts. You are now subscribed to the Children's Health Family Newsletter. Each of these parental controls requires a passcode. However, it can be easy for children and young people to come across inappropriate content on the app. Although you have to enter a birthday at account creation, TikTok does not take additional measures to verify age. But there's also a dark side of TikTok. If you have any concerns at all about a childs safety or wellbeing, dont hesitate to contact us. With 3 billion downloads to date, TikTok is currently the hottest social media site for tweens and teens. Not to mention anonymous users sending inappropriate messages. No, the full version of TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years of age. TikTok created a Younger Users experience for kids under 13 who want to explore the social media site with less risk. There are privacy concerns when it comes to user data on TikTok. TikTok gives users the option to approve comments before they are visible, but this doesnt keep the users from reading them, which can be harmful to kids mental health. TikTok users sign up with a phone number, an email address, or a third-party account such as Facebook and Instagram. Even though the Younger Users version of TikTok filters out mature content, its still likely that inappropriate content will make its way through. The app's controls seem to be geared more toward limiting kids' access to virtual gifts that can be bought with real money, instead of giving parents regular monitoring capabilities. Parents should regularly check the app to ensure the controls are still in place. If you have kids on TikTok, or even use the service yourself, it's important to familiarize yourself with all the features and settings TikTok provides to help bolster your privacy. Those under 16 don't have access to direct messages. Addicting likes, comments, and followers, How the Younger Users version of TikTok works, 3. RELATED: Online Gaming Playdates Are a Perfect Window Into How Our Kids Handle Conflict. yes it is probably a little inappropriate but it learns what you like and will mostly be showing them kid stuff. Get your own TikTok account and educate yourself. He was sent to live with Noah and his son Shem, and he remained with them to . That takes you to the Discoverability page. Teens are often more impulsive and more likely to do things online that they wouldnt normally do, especially when it comes to peer approval. 2022 Children's Health. You can also browse and interact with other users' content, which covers a wide range of topics, songs, and styles. Look out for things like graphic content and sexually explicit comments. You can also search for content using topics or hashtags. While in the TikTok app and from your child's profile, you'll see three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen, Jordan notes. Social media apps are a privilege and not a right for children. On TikTok, funny comment exchanges also get turned into videos so you dont even need to create videos to participate in a trend or receive widespread attention. Sounds: TikTok-like feature that allows users to include music with snaps. "It provides fodder for bullies to make fun of them. second-most popular social media site among American teenagers, protecting young users from inappropriate videos, TikTok sharing private user data with China, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. }); Weston House, 42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. These options range from using a limited version of the app to just keeping an eye on the content their children are consuming. The question Is TikTok safe for kids? keeps parents up at night. A section of the app that includes additional safety and privacy features is available in the U.S. for kids under 13. Use these settings to manage it. But you may not want everyone, like bullies or even some family members, to be able to view your TikTok account. TikTok can be a kid-friendly experience if you supervise your kids, use safety settings, and stick to songs you already know. Another feature that you and your child should know is how to report and block harmful content, comments, or users. To find your comment settings, go toProfile>three-dash menu>Settings and privacy>Privacy > Comments. Norton Family Review (2023): Will It Keep Your Family Safe? Make sure your child signs up to TikTok with the correct age All accounts created by 13-16-year-olds are set to private by default. "As part of our commitment to safety, the wellbeing of our users is incredibly important to us. The app has an age-rating of 13+. Read Common Sense Media's full review of TikTok, and learn more about this popular platform. This means that theres a whole range of videos that feature different topics, challenges or ideas. Is TikTok safe for 10-year-olds? Young users aged 10 to 19made up 25% of TikToks users in 2021, the largest share of all age groups. This ensures that children cant change the parental controls settings once they are set. To make your TikTok account private, go to your profile page and select the three-dot icon in the top-right corner. For any age child, talk to them about setting their privacy controls as strongly as possible. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers, social expectations, and consequences of using this platform at a young age. If they know youre keeping an eye on their activity, teens will think twice about what they post. Less data is collected from TikToks Younger Users compared to users aged 13 and above. Your child selects what other method they would like to use to verify their account when you log in from either a text, email, or password. They can be songs, activities, or dances that start trending and then get copied by users on the platform. Where there is social media, theres inappropriate content. Here's why: 1. Or an anxious 10-year-old who wants to send videos to his friends? The answer is: probably not. Sign them up for the curated version for tweens under 13. Allison has an impressive research background and a drive to stay on top of the latest trends in cybersecurity to help others combat cybercrime and stay safe online. loadService(); This way, they can have fun creating, socializing, and connecting. How Do I Protect My Young Child from Cyberbullying? Extensively tested by our experts. Learn more about viral internet stunts and how to talk to your kid about them.