Talk to your kids about TikTok and your concerns like the dangers of having a public profile or talking to strangers. But if you're asking yourself: Is TikTok safe for an 11-year-old (or whatever age your child is), take a step back and evaluate your kiddo's personality, maturity level, and digital usage. People online can be ruthless because they can speak freely and without consequence. They did this to comply with COPPA or the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. All accounts created by 13-16-year-olds are set to private by default. Spotlight: This is another TikTok-like feature that collects snaps submitted by users into one giant feed. At the end of the day, you are still the parent. So, your child could come across swearing, scantily clad adults, and suggestive dancing.. Children are more protected through TikToks Under 13 version and parental account features. In 2020, the U.S. government opened a national security review of the acquisition of TikTok by a Chinese company, the New York Times reported. That takes you to the Discoverability page. Kids familiar with these examples might be persuaded to do or share things they wouldn't normally do to get a larger audience. Or you can use your phone contacts or social media followers to find friends already on the app. 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. Luckily, it's easy to find everyone who has looked at your profile. 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. Two-step verification is an added layer of security thats beneficial to your child if someone else gets ahold of their password. As parents who havent always had unimpeded access to this technology, it can be difficult to navigate changing societal standards. What Are Some Basic Social Media Rules for High Schoolers? Hence, your 10-year old's obsession with the TikTok app is probably one of the things you're scratching your head about. Read questions that others are asking about this popular social media app in our FAQs. 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. The nature of social media is risky because anyone could have access to your child or their information through some means. ParentsWonder.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This setting limits users' time in the app per day. On the "Settings and privacy" page, tap Privacy. Plus, as with any social media, we enjoy the attention we get from likes, follows, and video shares. Users include those with non-gaming interests like anime, TV series, music, and more. 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. However, it can be easy for children and young people to come across inappropriate content on the app. For its younger users, TikTok collects less data (though it still captures registration details including name, birth date, username, and password). You can provide a buffer between kids and iffy content by watching with your kids and making videos together. She has covered a variety of topics but is passionate about informing the VPNOverview readers on online safety and privacy, especially for children and teens. Call us on0808 800 5000or contact us online. Abram went to hide in a cave and remain until it was safe (Jasher 8:36). Keep an open and honest discussion about theirand yourdigital literacy and footprint.". For example, internet slang like 5ex (sex) or CU46 (see you for sex) can be considered a red flag. However, you should still review the settings to ensure they've been set up correctly. If you're only enabling this on your kid's phone, choose a passcode to lock the setting. Currently, a video-sharing app called TikTok is one of the most prevalent, especially among teens. Then tap Family Pairing and sync your account with your kid's via the QR code. Common Sense rates Instagram for age 15 and up because of mature content, access to strangers, marketing ploys, and data collection. These videos can be grouped by hashtags, which often correspond to challenges, memes, or current events (like #pandemiclife). Get your own TikTok account and educate yourself. No, TikTok isnt safe for young users, but no social media platform is. 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. Go toProfile>three-dash menu>Settings and privacy>Privacy>Direct messages,and change these settings: Don't let just anyone send you a direct message. One of the unique dangers of TikTok is how easily it allows users to create and share visual content. Every parent has to decide at what age it is safe for their child to access the Internet. 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.". While every family may have different rules when it comes to technology, it's important for parents to be clear about those expectations with children. Age is just one factor. 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. 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. How can I monitor my kid's activity on TikTok? Parents utilizing this tool can manage account restrictions, view watch history, and track app activities. A recent report by Ofcom highlighted that over half of 3-17-year-olds are using TikTok. Because TikTok uses algorithms to show users new content, its easy for young people to come across inappropriate or upsetting videos. It is not necessary and does not enhance their lives one little bit. 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. nhc nn - SharkTank. They won't be able to publish the video without selecting who will be allowed to see it. : Frequently Asked Questions. That's why TikTok has started implementing parental controls on the app (although these controls aren't yet available in the U.S.), RELATED: Life Skills to Teach Your Child by Age 10, TikTok allows users to contact anyone in the world, and this comes with its own host of hazards. Or an anxious 10-year-old who wants to send videos to his friends? The answer is: probably not. Each of these parental controls requires a passcode. "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. Read Common Sense Media's full review of TikTok, and learn more about this popular platform. After all, why would a ten-year-old care about data security? An in-box notification setting can also send you a notification anytime someone you follow likes or comments on videos you're mentioned in, but that doesn't really affect your privacy on TikTok. TikTok encourages content creation, as users can use the "Reactions" feature to respond to videos they like with their own take. In an effort to address these concerns, they created Younger Users. On TikTok, you can react to other videos by either inserting yourself into their videos or using their videos in your own. 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. However, TikTok knows that younger kids will find ways to sign up anyway, such as by using false birthdates. With 3 billion downloads to date, TikTok is currently the hottest social media site for tweens and teens. "Some are even publicly encouraged to attempt suicide.". The user interface is simple and organized, making it easy for kids to find the videos they want to watch. Check out our social media rules for high schoolers. There are six security settings that can help you to keep TikTok safe for your child and prevent them seeing anything that might worry or upset them: Explore TikToks Guardian Guide for more information. Take, for example, the Cinnamon Challenge, the Choking Game, and the Kiki Challenge. In 2021, the Irish Data Protection Commission investigated TikTok for its user data collection methods. Though you should work with your child as much as possible to stay safe online, you can also choose to limit their access when worried about their safety. Ask your teen who they like to follow, what their friends are doing on the app, and stay in touch with whats going on. 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. Just because you have an account does not mean you need to follow your child's account, but at least it can give you the knowledge and experience with the app to help your child set it up safely. In addition to security issues, there are other problems with the social media app that could cause issues for your child. TikTok created a Younger Users experience for kids under 13 who want to explore the social media site with less risk. However, TikTok does have several privacy and safety features built into the app. To stop others from viewing your following list or liked videos, go go toProfile>three-dash menu>Settings and privacy>Privacyand then: Just because you follow accounts and like videos doesn't mean the whole world needs to know it. The most popular social media apps are always changing, and it can be a challenge for parents to keep up. 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. In 2019, the companypaid a $5.7 million fine as part of a data privacy complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against the company under its former name Musical.ly. She is 10 years old. Recommended Video 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. Fellowship and Subspecialty Training Programs, Child Life and Music Therapy Training Opportunities, Pediatric Clinical Trials & Experimental Medication, Resources for Transgender Youth and Their Families. Its human nature that we directly correlate popularity to value. Talk to your kids about your TikTok safety concerns, How to Set Up a Safe TikTok Account for Kids, White House Unveils National Cybersecurity Strategy, How to Watch UFC 285: Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane Live Worldwide, Watch Liverpool vs. Man United for Free: Premier League 2023, Dark Web: BidenCash Operators Leak Over 2 Million Bank Cards, How to Watch the 2023 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix for Free Online, Profile photo, profile video, and information disclosed on the users profile, IP address, user agent, mobile carrier, time zone settings, identifiers for advertising purposes, model of your device, the device system, network type, device IDs, screen resolution and operating system, app and file names and types, keystroke patterns or rhythms, battery state, audio settings, and connected audio devices, Device ID, IP address, web browser type, and version, Location information based on SIM card and/or IP address, precise location data (such as GPS)*, Preferences, list of followers, and list of following, Video watches, time in the app, and general usage data, Photographs, audios, and videos the user uploads or creates, comments and livestreams made by the user, clipboard data*, Phone contact list, Facebook contact list, Purchases made, date and time when purchases were made, amount spent, Payment card numbers or third-party payment information (such as PayPal), Click on the three dots at the top right corner and find the flag icon that says . You can also learn more about the safety of other popular social media apps: Do you have more questions about TikTok? They also failed to notify parents of exactly how they collected children's data or allow them to ask to have that data deleted.". Common Sense Media. Extensively tested by our experts. "Check that your child's TikTok account has been set up using the correct data of birth," advises Jo O'Reilly, digital privacy advocate at ProPrivacy. Age-inappropriate content one might see on TikTok include harsh language or curse words in song lyrics, suggestive dancing or clothing choices, or offensive or hurtful comments on videos. "TikTok is a platform that encourages performance, and many of its users are excited to showcase their talents. 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. 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. TikTok introduced the Family Pairing mode in 2022, which lets parents link their account to their kid's account. "It provides fodder for bullies to make fun of them. There's huge enticement to get famous, including TikTok houses where groups of young creators live, make videos, and potentially reap big-money endorsements and sponsorships. Using the Friends setting or turning those features off completely limits contact with strangers. Best Apps for Kids Ages 9-12. 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. "Kids may get sucked into the pressure to create more and better content, and this can cause anxiety, especially if they're not getting popular," she notes. For instance, TikTok collects registration details including name, birth date, username, and password. TikTok is a social network for sharing user-generated videos, mostly of people lip-synching to popular songs. * This data is collected with additional user permission or under specific circumstances. For kids age 13 to 15, accounts are private by default; only friends can comment on videos, and other users can't duet (explained below) with your videos The caveat is that the kid-friendly version isnt commonly utilized. With social media platforms like TikTok gaining popularity, there are valid concerns for the parents of older children. 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. Only users over the age of 16 can record live videos or use the private messaging feature. In her free time, she enjoys traveling within the states to kayak, camp, and hike. https%3A%2F%2Fvpnoverview.com%2Finternet-safety%2Fkids-online%2Fis-tiktok-safe-for-kids%2F. TikTok offers Restricted Mode, which was designed to filter mature content for young users. The platform uses algorithms to show users different video content based on their interests and other videos they watch. The app can be safe for teens with proper parental guidance. April 24, 2022 There are currently many social networks that, as a parent, you should keep track of your child engaging in. Proud to be ranked in all 10 pediatric specialties the last five years. Given the social app's rise in popularity and recent media attention surrounding potential privacy concerns many parents are probably wondering if TikTok is safe for their child. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. TikToks limited version of the platform for those under 13 has extended privacy policies and restrictions. Here are some tips to set up your own account: Now, youve got your TikTok account. Cyberbullying is an ever-growing problem for children and teens active online. However, exposure to age-inappropriate material can still occur, and parental supervision is recommended. Privacy / However, you should still review the settings to ensure theyve been set up correctly. But there's also a dark side of TikTok. Using the platform can potentially expose children to predators, mature content, bullying, and data breaches. On the contrary, the FixAppRatings movement suggests that the kid must be over the age of 17 to use TikTok. }); Weston House, 42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. If you have any concerns at all about a childs safety or wellbeing, dont hesitate to contact us. 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. 2. We all know that many kids younger than that are watching and sometimes creating TikToks, so the site suggests that if your younger child wants . Guides and resources for parents. For more about TikTok and privacy, learn how the company is protecting young users from inappropriate videos and why some US regulators are worried about TikTok sharing private user data with China. These options range from using a limited version of the app to just keeping an eye on the content their children are consuming. TikTokis thesecond-most popular social media site among American teenagers-- and for obvious reasons. We respect your privacy. Disable all of the settings to stop your account from being suggested at all, which will make it harder to find. Is TikTok Safe for Kids? The nature of the app might cause kids anxiety. The social media company was also sued in the UK on the basis that the app collects childrens personal information and does not provide a clear explanation as to what the company does with the data. In time, your kids will begin exercising initiative and start protecting themselves online on their own. How old should you be to use Discord? However, while TikTok is fun, the same elements that make TikTok a digital playground for kids also pose some serious security issues. While most content on TikTok is out there for the world to see, direct messages aren't so clear and visible. Parents should regularly check the app to ensure the controls are still in place. You can also search for content using topics or hashtags. TikToks Younger Users version is really just an absence of features, not a redesign of the app made for kids. People can also create multiple accounts, using aliases to target others they don't like. Most of the popular challenges, such as the intricately choreographed dance number Renegade and pranks such as the backwards hoodie fridge mixup are harmless. Like any social media app, TikTok can pose some risks to children and teens. TikTok on its own is not safe or recommended for those under 13. "This is the largest civil penalty in a children's privacy case in history," Jordan says. What if my kid wants to get famous on TikTok? 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. Ask your child to give you a demo of the app or show you their favourite account. 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. They also talked about how screenshots and screen recording tech can mean something seemingly impermanent might become a meme that haunts you. However, there is a way to help prevent that from happening to you. Even though the app makers recommend that all users be older than 13, that doesn't automatically mean your teenager is ready for TikTok. If a teen reaches their limit, they have to enter a passcode to keep scrolling. Lock the setting with a passcode. 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 allows creators to access popular songs to edit their videos, some of which contain harsh curse words and sexual language. . Where there is social media, theres inappropriate content. Not only can you report individual accounts, but also specific videos, comments and direct messages. 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. Another feature that you and your child should know is how to report and block harmful content, comments, or users. This is a great time to be the training wheels for your kid as they learn to use . For younger children, parents can turn on parental controls so they can restrict what content children can view. According to the TikTok policy, the user must be at least 13 years old to use the app's full features. They may also become obsessed with likes and virtual approval, which isn't healthy for their emotional well-being. He was sent to live with Noah and his son Shem, and he remained with them to . Given the violation, thousands of parents complained, and TikTok launched increased efforts to improve privacy and security on the platform, according to Jordan. Ask them to show you their favorite videos. Age is just one factor. Norton Family Review (2023): Will It Keep Your Family Safe? Should I be concerned about TikTok's security? 8 Best Apps for Keeping Tabs on Your Kids. "Clicking on those dots will take you to the 'Privacy and settings section of the app," she explains. This doesnt mean you spy on their activity every day, but that you spot-check activity regularly to look for red flags. Technically, kids under 13 cant sign up for a regular TikTok account because it violates COPPA. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers, social expectations, and consequences of using this platform at a young age. TikToks comment and messaging features are home to online harassment, cyberbullying, and predatory messaging. Users between the age of 13 and 15 have their account set to private by default, which prohibits them from private messaging and only allows friends to comment on their videos. This way, youll see what theyre posting, who they interact with, and what videos they like. For instance, there is always potential that your child will be exposed to age-inappropriate content like explicit lyrics, dangerous stunts or sexual content. Talk with them about what they enjoy about the app. The nature of social media is risky because anyone could have access to your child or their information through some means. Parents can pair their childs account to their own through TikToks Family Pairing mode. If your childs account is public, this opens them up to the eyes and messages of strangers. Youll need a TikTok account and your teens phone to complete this process from start to finish. 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. Is TikTok inappropriate for kids under 10 years old? With her children in tow, she studies Obstetric Sonography and has made a career creating content about motherhood. How Do I Protect My Young Child from Cyberbullying? Mental incapability in comprehending negative comments and cyber-stalking are horrific things that could affect your child's state of mind. Although you have to enter a birthday at account creation, TikTok does not take additional measures to verify age. Children's Health will not sell, share or rent your information to third parties. 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. A section of the app that includes additional safety and privacy features is available in the U.S. for kids under 13. "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. By default, anyone who stumbles across your video on TikTok can download it using the site's built-in video download feature. Social Media. Nimrod was worried about losing control and tried to kill Abraham at a young age. New safety features were introduced as of August 2021. They also have restricted access to direct messages and livestreaming. Younger Users also cannot publicly share personal information, including videos or profile details. RELATED: Types of Bullying Parents Should Know About. 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. So no, my daughter isn't allowed to have TikTok. Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. It's the former public feed that's particularly problematic, Jordan notes. You should consider your child's level of responsibility, self-regulation and impulsivity. This is a pain that won't go away.. Children of all ages utilize the platform for entertainment and communication and to gain a social following. 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. This ensures that children cant change the parental controls settings once they are set. Users might become victims of cyberbullying. Have a conversation about what limits should be set on TikTok use, such as what kind of videos are okay to post and how often they can use it. Leading children's charity, incorporated by Royal Charter. In general, there are better social media alternatives for 10-year-olds. The best mobile apps for tweens can provide a rich world of entertainment for growing minds. Read a summary of the article here! These things might be harder for them to share with you directly because theyre embarrassed or scared. These featureshold the key to how your child interacts with others on the platform. Parents can also disable their kid's search functionality and prevent other users from seeing which videos their kid has liked. You can post it or save it as "private" so only you can see. Laura Bedrossian, vice president, social strategy, at integrated marketing communications agency Hot Paper Lantern, reminds parents that knowledge is power. In short, people love TikTok because its easy to use while still being personalized to their tastes. This offers a passcode-enabled screen time management system, as well as a restricted mode to limit the appearance of inappropriate content. While this doesnt eliminate security risks or mental health safety, its a great place to start. Family Pairing. 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. You are now subscribed to the Children's Health Family Newsletter. The private message and comment features also allow potential predators to connect with your child while posing as a younger kid. Nelson Aguilar is an LA-based tech how-to writer and graduate of UCLA. Gen Z can't get enough of TikTok. 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. There are several ways to monitor your child on TikTok. Children can easily bypass privacy measures if not supervised by an adult. Investigations of TikTok found that the app's privacy policy and data collection practices aren't actually any worse than other social media apps, and that the concerns about spying are probably overblown. Nica is a news and tech editor at VPNOverview. You can add filters and songs, as well as collaborate with other digital creators. Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+, TikTok doesn't necessarily have a perfect record, Help Kids Navigate Viral Social Media Stunts. Parents can manage screen time, restrict content, and limit direct messages or turn off the feature completely. TikTok is a free social media platform that lets you create, share and watch short clips. But you may not want everyone, like bullies or even some family members, to be able to view your TikTok account. However, the lack of these features makes it unappealing for most kids. 7 Safety Concerns for Parents, What Parents Need to Know About the Metaverse, Is Roblox Safe for Kids? Weve put together a comprehensive guide to help you determine the best course of action for your childs TikTok use. "I'm so hurt. If you want your account to stay low-key and away from too many people's eyes, you can stop your account from being suggested to other people that might have your contact information on their phone or have mutual friends with you. As your child uses the app, you should stay up-to-date on their activity with it by showing a genuine interest in their TikTok videos. Learn more about viral internet stunts and how to talk to your kid about them. This is my place to share my journey. Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews.