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Below, we provide general pointers on how to keep kids safe on TikTok. Hence, your 10-year old's obsession with the TikTok app is probably one of the things you're scratching your head about. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. However, you should still review the settings to ensure they've been set up correctly. Learn more. Users under age 16 who are trying to publish their first video will get a pop-up message to help them better understand their privacy options. 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. Keep an open and honest discussion about theirand yourdigital literacy and footprint.". Talk with them about what they enjoy about the app. These questions should be out of legitimate interest and not to pry into your child's privacy unless, of course, you have reason for concern. (Accounts for people under 16 are automatically set to private. If someone is tagging you in videos you don't want to see or mentioning you in comments as a way of targeted harassment, there is a way to prevent unwanted tagging. Charley is a mother of three with a passion for raising good humans. 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. (The app is currently working to be able to monitor TikTok on iOS.) It's a chance for your content to be seen around the world. The nature of social media is risky because anyone could have access to your child or their information through some means. Help for adults concerned about a childCall us on 0808 800 5000, Help for children and young peopleCall Childline on 0800 1111, For supporter, donation and fundraising queries Call us on 020 7825 2505. document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function(event) { Heres how to access TikToks privacy settings: Keep reading to learn more about the privacy options you can set, as well as additional features that provide more layers of protection for your teen. 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. Inappropriate content can affect your child's brain and thinking ability. Sounds: TikTok-like feature that allows users to include music with snaps. Blocking and reporting content on TikTok doesnt just keep the app a safer place for your child, but other children using it, too. COPPA limits what data social media apps can collect from kids under 13. Users can also earn TikTok Reward points by inviting friends to download the app, and then they can redeem those points for coupons from brands like Sephora and Uber. You can choose from "Everyone," "Friends," and "Off.". The user interface is simple and organized, making it easy for kids to find the videos they want to watch. Restricted Mode filters out mature content that isnt suitable for younger audiences. But as kids have been continuing to hit download, parents are still wondering if it's safe. To learn more about online safety for your kids, read our definitive guide here. Social Media. Then select "Digital Wellbeing" next to the icon of an umbrella. Common Sense Media suggests that users of the app be at least 16 years old or older due to potential mature content and the issue of privacy, while TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old. }); Online safety activities to do with your child. BuzzFeed News reported on the issue in June, noting that predators who lurk on the app often use "Duets" to send young creators explicit messages. From recipes to song covers, dance challenges, comedy skits, and even pool-cleaning videos whatever your interest is, theres a TikTok video for you. TikTok is no exception. Under Digital Wellbeing, youll also see Restricted Mode. No, the full version of TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years of age. Using the Friends setting or turning those features off completely limits contact with strangers. Lastly, some children may turn to social media apps like TikTok because they are seeking affirmation or praise online. The solution isn't getting rid of the app, because there will always be another one. They also illegally stored minors' data. The platform uses algorithms to show users different video content based on their interests and other videos they watch. Restricted Mode was designed to prevent kids from seeing mature contentprovided they don't independently try to seek it outand adults can sign up for an account and then link it to their kid's account via the Family Pairing mode. This offers a passcode-enabled screen time management system, as well as a restricted mode to limit the appearance of inappropriate content. If you are an Android or Amazon device family, you can also use Bark to monitor TikTok text chats. After all, why would a ten-year-old care about data security? }); Weston House, 42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. For younger children, parents can turn on parental controls so they can restrict what content children can view. Given the violation, thousands of parents complained, and TikTok launched increased efforts to improve privacy and security on the platform, according to Jordan. 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. Have an open dialogue about the app and internet safety practices. They can be songs, activities, or dances that start trending and then get copied by users on the platform. Even though the app makers recommend that all users be older than 13, that doesn't automatically mean your teenager is ready for TikTok. 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. There are several ways to monitor your child on TikTok. With social media platforms like TikTok gaining popularity, there are valid concerns for the parents of older children. It only exists as part of a privacy lawsuit settled by TikTok, so most parents arent aware of it. If they do, parents can set up a number of limitations, such as disabling the direct message option and setting daily time limits. To do this, go toProfile>three-dash menu>Settings and privacy>Privacy and then: The Duet and Stitch features are fun, but they can also get out of control. One user creates and posts a video, and then a mutual follower can tap the three-dot icon at the bottom right of the video and select "start duet now!" 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. 4 Conversations to Have with Older Kids and Teens About Their Screen Time Habits. This opens the door for dangerous dialogue with strangers. Ask your child to give you a demo of the app or show you their favourite account. Spotlight: This is another TikTok-like feature that collects snaps submitted by users into one giant feed. To make your TikTok account private, go to your profile page and select the three-dot icon in the top-right corner. Social media influencers, celebrities, and brands now also have TikTok and fans can get noticed by their favorite stars if they interact with a video. Technically, kids under 13 cant sign up for a regular TikTok account because it violates COPPA. Accounts for children between ages 13-15 will not receive push notifications after 9 p.m. For teens between ages 16-17, push notifications will be disabled after 10 p.m. Users between the ages 16 and 17 must actively switch their settings to enable direct messaging. The app is broken into two main feed sections. You can add filters and songs, as well as collaborate with other digital creators. Cyberbullying is an ever-growing problem for children and teens active online. Age is just one factor. However, as the parent, you should have the final decision, even if your child is not pleased with the rules you feel are necessary to keep them safe. The second user can then lip-synch along with the first person, either swapping back and forth or in a split screen. Still, the app collects a significant amount of information regardless. 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. "And many chase after that popularity by taking part in challenges, which can often be dangerous. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Jordan points out that the app's "Duets" feature, which allows you to remix another user's video and lip-synch or dance alongside them in a new clip, has been exploited by sexual predators. Leading children's charity, incorporated by Royal Charter. Of course, another important aspect of keeping kids safe is ensuring that the apps security tools are being used correctly by optimizing TikToks security settings. You can report something for a variety of reasons, including minor safety, disordered eating, self-harm, adult nudity, bullying, harassment, spam, harmful misinformation, illegal activities, violent content and more. All rights reserved. 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.". "Are you attracted to the world of glamor and celebrities to. It is not necessary and does not enhance their lives one little bit. TikTok introduced the Family Pairing mode in 2022, which lets parents link their account to their kid's account. "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. Mom Warns That Her 7-Year-Old's Avatar Was Sexually Assaulted on an Online Game. Like many social media outlets, TikTok uses user data for a variety of activities unrelated to the application. The presence of cyberbullies, predators, and inappropriate content makes the platform a dangerous place. On TikTok, you can react to other videos by either inserting yourself into their videos or using their videos in your own. While most content on TikTok is out there for the world to see, direct messages aren't so clear and visible. 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. There are privacy concerns when it comes to user data on TikTok. However, if your video is in a duet or you're on a livestream with multiple hosts, it's possible that a blocked account may be able to see those videos. Children under 13 can only view videos deemed child safe and clean by TikToks team. TikTok can be a kid-friendly experience if you supervise your kids, use safety settings, and stick to songs you already know. This means that theres a whole range of videos that feature different topics, challenges or ideas. To find your comment settings, go toProfile>three-dash menu>Settings and privacy>Privacy > Comments. If an account is pretending to be someone else or harassing people in general, you might be able to report the offending actions and have the account restricted or permanently banned. However, the lack of these features makes it unappealing for most kids. Recommended Video We respect your privacy. : Frequently Asked Questions. Call us on0808 800 5000or contact us online. Users can browse different videos on TikTok via a personalised feed known as the For You Page. This means that not everyones For You Page is the same. However, you should still review the settings to ensure theyve been set up correctly. We walk you through the process to ensure that youre optimizing TikToks built-in safety settings: Though TikTok may have its issues, keeping an eye on your children and opening communication with them will help you feel better about their usage of the app. Each of these parental controls requires a passcode. On the "Settings and privacy" page, tap Privacy. Not only are these videos potentially disturbing to viewers who see them in passing, but reactions to posts might encourage self-harm. They also failed to notify parents of exactly how they collected children's data or allow them to ask to have that data deleted.". Social Media. This way, they can have fun creating, socializing, and connecting. How can I monitor my kid's activity on TikTok? Currently, a video-sharing app called TikTok is one of the most prevalent, especially among teens. 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. Mental incapability in comprehending negative comments and cyber-stalking are horrific things that could affect your child's state of mind. First, you'll need to find the mentions and tags settings. To set up your account, open up the site on your browser or download the app on your device and then sign up for an account. 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. Keep in mind that kids can always re-download TikTok and create a new account using a different phone number or email address, so any controls you enable aren't foolproof. "Keep in mind that your child may open the app and change these settings at any time, which is why it's important for you to also view the 'Digital Wellbeing' section of the 'Privacy and settings' screen," Jordan says. However, don't just set the controls and never check in with your child again. The conversations around mental health can be dangerous. TikTok has different rules for different ages: Users under age 13 can't post videos or comment, and content is curated for a younger audience. But if you're worried about what exactly your kids are getting, you're not alone. But some, such as the skull-breaker, are really dangerous. Or you can download TikTok, create your own account, and use the Family Pairing feature to manage your kid's TikTok settings using your phone. Get health tips and parenting advice from Children's Health experts sent straight to your inbox twice a month. Kidzworld: This is a moderated, child-friendly application that allows children to participate in forums and chat with others their age. TikTok allows creators to access popular songs to edit their videos, some of which contain harsh curse words and sexual language. I'd be less worried about the content and more the affect it has on their mental health, take it from 19 year old whos pretty socially active. Although you have to enter a birthday at account creation, TikTok does not take additional measures to verify age. 7 Safety Concerns for Parents, What Parents Need to Know About the Metaverse, Is Roblox Safe for Kids? This blocks mature content, but even with the filter on, kids using the app on their own might come across age-inappropriate videos. Read a summary of the article here! Kids use TikTok as a way to connect with their friends and have some creative self-expression. Whether you just check in on their account from time to time, pair your profiles for constant supervision, or require them to use the alternate version of the application depends on your concerns and house rules. TikTok shares many of the same dangers as the wider Internet. Kids on TikTok often want their videos to be liked, and this makes them vulnerable to safety threats on TikTok, like sexual exploitation. Cookies / 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). Use these settings to manage it. TikTok has a "safe" mode called Younger Users that provides a heavily-restricted version of the app to users younger than age 13. On this page, you can also control other safety and privacy features, such as who can send you comments and direct messages, and who can do a duet with you. 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. Nica is a news and tech editor at VPNOverview. Secondly, if your teen is older or resistant to sharing an account, youll be able tokeep up with TikTok trends and TikTok challenges on your own account. If you don't feel comfortable with other people having your videos saved on their devices, you can disable that feature. "The law requires companies to obtain parental consent to collect the data of kids under 13, and TikTok did not do so. 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 did this to comply with COPPA or the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. Instead, you can ask to follow your child. Here are 11 settings that can help protect from unwanted followers, harmful comments and violent videos on TikTok. While it may seem like TikTok came out of nowhere, the app actually began in 2014 as a lip-synching site called Musical.ly. Heres what we suggest you explore and pay attention to in the app: Family Pairing doesnt allow you to monitor your childs activity. Is TikTok inappropriate for kids under 10 years old? Kids familiar with these examples might be persuaded to do or share things they wouldn't normally do to get a larger audience. Heres everything you need to know about the popular video-sharing app. TikTok is also a lot more . Other tools that offer parental controls and monitoring services include Secure Teen and Norton Family Premier. "Some are even publicly encouraged to attempt suicide.". 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. No place on the internet is entirely safe for kids, including the TikTok app. They won't be able to publish the video without selecting who will be allowed to see it. No, TikTok isn't safe for young users, but no social media platform is. To make your account private: If your TikTok account is private, only those you accept as friends will be able to see your videos. Or an anxious 10-year-old who wants to send videos to his friends? The answer is: probably not. In 2018, it was acquired by a Bejing-based company and merged into the Chinese app TikTok, explains Titania Jordan, the chief parenting officer of parental-control app Bark. 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.". TikTok on its own is not safe or recommended for those under 13. With her children in tow, she studies Obstetric Sonography and has made a career creating content about motherhood. If they want to change their age, they will have to contact customer service and provide proof of their age at that point. Even older children, who may be aware of general privacy risks, may act too impulsively when posting videos that could affect their future. To set screen time management, go to the Settings and Privacy page and choose Digital Wellbeing. This section is about managing a users experience in terms of screen time and content filters. Poppy Playtime: Is This Popular Horror Game Safe for Kids? According to TikToks Younger Users privacy policy, TikTok also collects data about your childs device like IP address, browser details, and location, as well as app activity details like time spent in the app, video watches, and general usage information. 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. Like any social media app, TikTok can pose some risks to children and teens. Luckily, it's easy to find everyone who has looked at your profile. The default is referred to as "For You," which is an algorithmically generated stream of videos similar to Instagram's Explore page, Wired explains. https%3A%2F%2Fvpnoverview.com%2Finternet-safety%2Fkids-online%2Fis-tiktok-safe-for-kids%2F. When setting limits and rules, ensure your child knows there will be no negative consequences if they come to you with safety concerns. How old should you be to use Discord? However, it can be easy for children and young people to come across inappropriate content on the app. If you swipe left, you'll see a more personally curated feed called "Following," featuring uploads from the people you choose to follow. Many people use DMs to harass, bully and spam other people. Here are some tips: Setting up a brand new TikTok account for your kid? Next, click on the three lines at the top right corner and click on Privacy. From that menu, youll be able to change several security settings. For instance, there is always potential that your child will be exposed to age-inappropriate content like explicit lyrics, dangerous stunts or sexual content. 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. If you regularly check their account, you might even notice whentheyre feeling low, for example after a fight with friends or an incident of bullying. If your child spends too much time on TikTok, it could also interfere with other things they should be doing for their development, like reading or playing outside. TikTok is also a great way to connect with friends and other people with similar interests, making it easy to share videos back and forth. "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. Parents can manage screen time, restrict content, and limit direct messages or turn off the feature completely. TikTok offers Restricted Mode, which was designed to filter mature content for young users. One of the unique dangers of TikTok is how easily it allows users to create and share visual content. 2022 Children's Health. Blocking an account may not always be enough. (If you choose Family Pairing, you'll need your kid's phone to sync the settings.). VPNoverview.com Internet Safety Kids Online The Ultimate Guide to TikTok: Is TikTok Safe for Kids? Kids will need to accept their parents' request to connect the accounts. A section of the app that includes additional safety and privacy features is available in the U.S. for kids under 13. This doesnt mean you spy on their activity every day, but that you spot-check activity regularly to look for red flags. 2023 CNET, a Red Ventures company. 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. Children can easily bypass privacy measures if not supervised by an adult. The Duet feature lets you create a reaction split-screen video, combining half of your video with half of someone's else's video to create a single reaction video. RELATED: Types of Bullying Parents Should Know About. 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. You can also search for content using topics or hashtags. There are two main reasons why you should set up your own account on TikTok. Here's why: 1. TikToks limited version of the platform for those under 13 has extended privacy policies and restrictions. Under Security and Login users can run a report for security alerts, see what devices their account is logged in on, and manage third-party apps. This is my place to share my journey. If you feel your child has posted something inappropriate or is not using TikTok safely, it's okay to remove their access to the app or, if necessary, switch out their smartphone for a simple flip phone. Block someone's account so they can't see your profile, send you messages and more. The nature of social media is risky because anyone could have access to your child or their information through some means. The recommended age for TikTok by Common Sense Media, is 16+ but TikTok requires users to be at least 13+ and anyone under the age of 18 must have the approval of a parent or guardian. Many kids on TikTok like to create videos, but plenty of people don't post themselvesthey just use the app to find and follow content creators. TikTok is a social network for sharing user-generated videos, mostly of people lip-synching to popular songs. Children of all ages utilize the platform for entertainment and communication and to gain a social following. How to start the conversation with your child about staying safe online, and what to do if you're worried about online safety. You will also notice if a dangerous challenge is trending, like the #tidepodchallenge that was devastatingly fatal for some teens. Receive expert tips on using phones, computers, smart home gear and more. For example, they only recently fixed a bug that allowed the app to access users' clipboards (where things you copy and paste are stored) every three seconds, even when they weren't using 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. Even though the app makers recommend that all users be older than 13, that doesn't automatically mean your teenager is ready for TikTok. Look out for things like graphic content and sexually explicit comments. If your childs account is public, this opens them up to the eyes and messages of strangers. 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? To find these settings, go to the homepage and find the Profile icon in the bottom right corner. 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. But there's also a dark side of TikTok. And according to The Wall Street Journal, doctors in multiple countries are reporting a rise in teen girls developing severe physical tics, and that anxiety, depression, and TikTok could be contributing factors. ", Also, under the "Safety" section of that same screen, you have the ability to customize who can post comments, who can Duet with your child, who can react to their videos, who can send them messages, and who can view videos they liked, she says. Toggle the switch for Private Account. yes it is probably a little inappropriate but it learns what you like and will mostly be showing them kid stuff. The minimum age for TikTok users is 13 years old. Family Pairing. If you're not a fan of these features or don't want other users putting your videos into theirs, you can disable them so that no one can Duet or Stitch your video. If children delete the app and reinstall it, those controls will be gone. Just as it says, this feature lets you manage screen time by having you choose between a 40-, 60-, 90-, or 120-minute time limit per day on the app. TikTok can be a dangerous place, especially for children. Registered charity in England and Wales (216401), Scotland (SC037717) and Jersey (384). Here's how to enable screen limits and filter content on your kid's phone: Go to your kid's TikTok account within the app and tap the three dots at the top right of the user profile. They also talked about how screenshots and screen recording tech can mean something seemingly impermanent might become a meme that haunts you.