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. April 24, 2022 There are currently many social networks that, as a parent, you should keep track of your child engaging in. (The app is currently working to be able to monitor TikTok on iOS.) The app can be safe for teens with proper parental guidance. Is Snapchat safe for preteens and teens? Mom Warns That Her 7-Year-Old's Avatar Was Sexually Assaulted on an Online Game. 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. Kids will need to accept their parents' request to connect the accounts. These videos can be grouped by hashtags, which often correspond to challenges, memes, or current events (like #pandemiclife). We've also highlighted some fun and educational apps to get them learning online. Powerful Stories About Martin Luther King Jr. How can you make your TikTok account private? You can also browse and interact with other users' content, which covers a wide range of topics, songs, and styles. The more likes, followers, or comments a video gets, the more validation your teen feels they are receiving. Sometimes they're spontaneous, but sometimes they're planned out by brands, musical artists, or influencers for marketing purposes. But as kids have been continuing to hit download, parents are still wondering if it's safe. TikTok, like many other social media platforms, poses a significant danger to the mental, emotional, and physical health of children. Learn more about TikTok for Younger Users in our resource here. Parents can pair their childs account to their own through TikToks Family Pairing mode. TikTok users sign up with a phone number, an email address, or a third-party account such as Facebook and Instagram. Fortunately there are several features buried in your TikTok settings to help you moderate your comments and eliminate spam and hateful comments. Everything Parents Need to Know About the Popular App Game, A Parents' Guide to the Best Streaming Services for Families, Son Dancing With Unsuspecting Mom While She Exercises Is Our Favorite Thing on TikTok Right Now, The History of Creepy Dolls and Kids Who Love Them, Instagram Announces New Parental Supervision Tools and 'Family Center' Safety Hub, Life Skills to Teach Your Child by Age 10, teen girls developing severe physical tics, Online Gaming Playdates Are a Perfect Window Into How Our Kids Handle Conflict, Types of Bullying Parents Should Know About, Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), The Parents Guide to Getting Their First Phoneand Teaching Them to Be Good Digital Citizens. Ask your teen who they like to follow, what their friends are doing on the app, and stay in touch with whats going on. 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.". However, there is a way to help prevent that from happening to you. "When you scroll down to the 'Privacy and safety' option under "Account," you will see the option to set the child's account to private (recommended to toggle that on), as well as allow others to find them (recommended to toggle that off). Restricted Mode filters out mature content that isnt suitable for younger audiences. This is my place to share my journey. The most popular social media apps are always changing, and it can be a challenge for parents to keep up. Then tap Family Pairing and sync your account with your kid's via the QR code. Unfortunately, there are other ways that people can download your videos, such as screen recording, third-party apps and shortcuts, but this setting will prevent one of the most popular (and easiest) ways of downloading videos from TikTok. What Parents Need To Know About the Gas App. Previously, TikTok was criticized for not removing accounts that made sexually explicit comments on the accounts of children, posing a serious safety risk for kids on TikTok. Get your own TikTok account and educate yourself. However, being active in the digital world means that your child is always accessible to some extent. These featureshold the key to how your child interacts with others on the platform. 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. ", 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. 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. Even though the Younger Users version of TikTok filters out mature content, its still likely that inappropriate content will make its way through. If your childs account is public, this opens them up to the eyes and messages of strangers. If children delete the app and reinstall it, those controls will be gone. TikTok offers a few ways for parents and caregivers to manage kids' accounts. This opens the door for dangerous dialogue with strangers. Is there a kid friendly version of TikTok? No, the full version of TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years of age. While this doesnt eliminate security risks or mental health safety, its a great place to start. According to the terms of service, you have to be 13, but there's no age-verification process, so it's very easy for kids under 13 to sign up. However, it can be easy for children and young people to come across inappropriate content on the app. There are also several tutorial videos that can help kids learn how to use tiktok. There are still other ways to download videos from TikTok, especially with third-party services. Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Is Tiktok Safe for 10-Year-Olds? Look out for things like graphic content and sexually explicit comments. 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. Not only will a blocked account be unable to view your profile, they also can't send you messages or even find your profile by searching for it. Family Pairing connects your TikTok account to your childs account through a QR code. However, while TikTok is fun, the same elements that make TikTok a digital playground for kids also pose some serious security issues. Technically, kids under 13 cant sign up for a regular TikTok account because it violates COPPA. Parents want to keep their kids safe not only at school, in the playground, and at home but online too. Children can easily bypass privacy measures if not supervised by an adult. 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. And it requires that all users under age 18 obtain parental. Users can block and report accounts or comments, but critics say TikTok is often slow in addressing reports. 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 have restricted access to direct messages and livestreaming. Not to mention, the part of a teens brain that is responsible for rational thinking is not fully developed until their mid-20s. Learn more about Amazon Lockers. So, what is it exactly that kids and teens love about TikTok? Talk to your child about self control, compassion and empathy. Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More, Growing Up Queer: Thoughtful Books About LGBTQ+ Youth, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews. To make your TikTok account private, go to your profile page and select the three-dot icon in the top-right corner. Once you send in a Spotlight, it's public and can be viewed by anyone on or off the platform. People can also create multiple accounts, using aliases to target others they don't like. Before diving into TikTok, consider who you want accessing your videos and profile. 8 Best Apps for Keeping Tabs on Your Kids. With 3 billion downloads to date, TikTok is currently the hottest social media site for tweens and teens. 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. . 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. The caveat is that the kid-friendly version isnt commonly utilized. Hi, I'm Ashley Potter. As long as someone knows your TikTok username, they can tag you in other videos or mention you in comments. If you swipe left, you'll see a more personally curated feed called "Following," featuring uploads from the people you choose to follow. Hence, your 10-year old's obsession with the TikTok app is probably one of the things you're scratching your head about. With her children in tow, she studies Obstetric Sonography and has made a career creating content about motherhood. TikTok has a feature that allows two users who aren't in the same place to perform a duet. TikTok is required to comply with the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which limits what data companies can collect about kids under 13. TikTok does not verify your child's age when they sign up for an account. 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. Lock the setting with a passcode. Is Overwatch Safe for Kids? 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. Learn more about viral internet stunts and how to talk to your kid about them. In time, your kids will begin exercising initiative and start protecting themselves online on their own. It's the former public feed that's particularly problematic, Jordan notes. RELATED: Online Gaming Playdates Are a Perfect Window Into How Our Kids Handle Conflict. Parents utilizing this tool can manage account restrictions, view watch history, and track app activities. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? The second user can then lip-synch along with the first person, either swapping back and forth or in a split screen. If they do, parents can set up a number of limitations, such as disabling the direct message option and setting daily time limits. Ask your child to give you a demo of the app or show you their favourite account. Some might include: TikTok can be a creative outlet for young people as it allows them to learn about video editing and discover new interests. Laura Bedrossian, vice president, social strategy, at integrated marketing communications agency Hot Paper Lantern, reminds parents that knowledge is power. 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. Even older children, who may be aware of general privacy risks, may act too impulsively when posting videos that could affect their future. "Like any social media platform that has a direct message or commenting feature, there's always the possibility that your child could be chatting with anyone, including strangers," Jordan says. 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. Gen Z can't get enough of TikTok. What Are Some Basic Social Media Rules for High Schoolers? They did this to comply with COPPA or the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. However, TikTok does have several privacy and safety features built into the app. Learn why it's important to be aware of your child's online activities and how to encourageonline safety in the digital age. 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. So, your child could come across swearing, scantily clad adults, and suggestive dancing.. But some, such as the skull-breaker, are really dangerous. According to 2022 findings from Security.org, of all the social networks, kids on YouTube are the most likely to be cyberbullied at 79 percent, followed by Snapchat at 69 percent, TikTok comes in at 64 percent, and Facebook at 49 percent. Kids familiar with these examples might be persuaded to do or share things they wouldn't normally do to get a larger audience. Children's Health will not sell, share or rent your information to third parties. 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. No place on the internet is entirely safe for kids, including the TikTok app. All accounts created by 13-16-year-olds are set to private by default. This way, they can have fun creating, socializing, and connecting. Please read our privacy policy. Family Pairing. Nelson Aguilar March 2, 2023 5:50 a.m. PT 8 min read. TikTok encourages content creation, as users can use the "Reactions" feature to respond to videos they like with their own take. Within TikToks security settings, there are three specific parental controls to help parents create a safer experience for their children. While this set-up could support child's artistic impulses, it might also cause anxiety, Jordan says. "When videos aren't funny or successful, they're referred to as 'cringey,'" Jordan explains. "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. They can be songs, activities, or dances that start trending and then get copied by users on the platform. ", TikToks in either feed might also feature content that's highly personal or sensitive, Jordan notes. 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. But you may not want everyone, like bullies or even some family members, to be able to view your TikTok account. 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. 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 . The Federal Trade Commission fined TikTok $5.7 million for violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). 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). National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. 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). "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. Our children are living in a digital world. 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. Here's why: 1. Childrens Health is proud to become the first pediatric health system in the country to offer Amazon Lockers, self-service kiosks that allow you to pick up your Amazon packages when and where you need them most 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They care little about age, circumstance, or the well-being of others. Children under 13 can only view videos deemed child safe and clean by TikToks team. Is TikTok inappropriate for kids under 10 years old? 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. 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. Below, we discuss in detail the various dangers your child might encounter if they join TikTok. Sitemap / This is a pain that won't go away.. When setting limits and rules, ensure your child knows there will be no negative consequences if they come to you with safety concerns. You can enable time limits and the content filter on your kid's phone and protect the settings with a passcode. Block someone's account so they can't see your profile, send you messages and more. TikToks terms and conditions state that all users must be at least 13 years of age to access the full application. Cookies / New safety features were introduced as of August 2021. 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? Use these settings to manage it. But if you're worried about what exactly your kids are getting, you're not alone. Childrens Health is proud to become the first pediatric health system in the country to offer Amazon Lockers, self-service kiosks that allow you to pick up your Amazon packages when and where you need them most 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This setting limits users' time in the app per day. Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+, TikTok doesn't necessarily have a perfect record, Help Kids Navigate Viral Social Media Stunts. Proud to be ranked in all 10 pediatric specialties the last five years. Users can create and upload their own videos, many of which feature people lip-synching to popular songs. For instance, there is always potential that your child will be exposed to age-inappropriate content like explicit lyrics, dangerous stunts or sexual content. The next sections of this article then go over TikToks security features and settings to help users understand the app better. TikTok also offers some tools for parents and caregivers to limit how much time kids spend on the app and what kids can see. 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. With 3 billion downloads to date, TikTok is currently the hottest social media site for tweens and teens. But as kids have been continuing to hit download, parents are still wondering if it's. It is not necessary and does not enhance their lives one little bit. 4 Conversations to Have with Older Kids and Teens About Their Screen Time Habits. Young users aged 10 to 19made up 25% of TikToks users in 2021, the largest share of all age groups. 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. 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. "This is the largest civil penalty in a children's privacy case in history," Jordan says. 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. 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. 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. Many people and organizationsincluding the U.S. government and companies like Wells Fargoare worried that TikTok's parent company ByteDance (based in China) is using the app to spy on users in other countries. If you enable the profile views setting on TikTok, other people will be able to see when you check out their profile. Enable These Privacy Settings Right Now TikTok can be a dangerous place, especially for children. TikTok is safe for 12-years olds, but only the curated version for users under the age of 13. There are other ways to protect your child while they use the full version of the app, but doing so violates TikToks guidelines. These are all opportunities to get a better feel for what they are doing while also giving them positive reinforcement for being responsible, safe, and maybe even creative or artistic. Anyone with an account can upload a video to the platform. Age is just one factor. 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. "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. 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. Restricted Mode. Lastly, some children may turn to social media apps like TikTok because they are seeking affirmation or praise online. To find these settings, go to the homepage and find the Profile icon in the bottom right corner. With social media platforms like TikTok gaining popularity, there are valid concerns for the parents of older children. For its younger users, TikTok collects less data (though it still captures registration details including name, birth date, username, and password). Is TikTok Safe For Kids and Teens? 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. 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. These options range from using a limited version of the app to just keeping an eye on the content their children are consuming. A section of the app that includes additional safety and privacy features is available in the U.S. for kids under 13. )For many users, widespread exposure is the attraction of TikTok. Your information is safe and you can easily unsubscribe at any time. Here are some tips: Setting up a brand new TikTok account for your kid? On TikTok, you can react to other videos by either inserting yourself into their videos or using their videos in your own. * This data is collected with additional user permission or under specific circumstances. This feature requires access to your childs account through their personal device to set up. The app is broken into two main feed sections. The app is popular for viral dances and celebrity cameos and is a creative and fun platform for teens to enjoy. TikTok is a free social media platform that lets you create, share and watch short clips. Offer to hold the camera or turn it around to do a selfie duet. Heres what we suggest you explore and pay attention to in the app: Family Pairing doesnt allow you to monitor your childs activity. Then, make sure you have your kid's phone and their TikTok login handy. Children can contactChildlineany time to get support themselves. You can (and should!) These applications take extensive safety and privacy measures to safely allow kids to explore the online world. Are tiktok videos safe? How to set up TikTok's parental controls: The most important piece of information in TikTok is the user's birthday. 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. Mental incapability in comprehending negative comments and cyber-stalking are horrific things that could affect your child's state of mind. You will also notice if a dangerous challenge is trending, like the #tidepodchallenge that was devastatingly fatal for some teens. To make your account private: If your TikTok account is private, only those you accept as friends will be able to see your videos. A 10-year-old Pennsylvania girl has died after attempting the "Blackout Challenge" that gained popularity on TikTok earlier this year. 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. 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. 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. Children of all ages utilize the platform for entertainment and communication and to gain a social following. "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. Only users over the age of 16 can record live videos or use the private messaging feature. Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help. Talk to your kids about TikTok and your concerns like the dangers of having a public profile or talking to strangers. However, don't just set the controls and never check in with your child again. A recent report by Ofcom highlighted that over half of 3-17-year-olds are using TikTok. Or an anxious 10-year-old who wants to send videos to his friends? The answer is: probably not. She is 10 years old. Youll need a TikTok account and your teens phone to complete this process from start to finish. You might be wondering, Is TikTok safe for 11-year-olds? TikToks Younger Users version is really just an absence of features, not a redesign of the app made for kids. Discord requires that users be at least 13 years old, although they do not verify users' age upon signup. It can also be an easy-to-use group-chatting tool for friends. 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. 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. To find your comment settings, go toProfile>three-dash menu>Settings and privacy>Privacy > Comments. With older children, you can have a conversation to agree on reasonable limits as well as reasonable consequences if the rules are broken.