They want to be part of something cool, even if it turns out to be dangerous. You can also browse and interact with other users' content, which covers a wide range of topics, songs, and styles. "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.". For kids age 13 to 15, accounts are private by default. Social media is a double-edged sword, and you need to make sure they're ready. Kids on TikTok often want their videos to be liked, and this makes them vulnerable to safety threats on TikTok, like sexual exploitation. 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. If your account is set to private, no one but you can create a Duet or Stitch with your videos. In an effort to address these concerns, they created Younger Users. Parents can also disable their kid's search functionality and prevent other users from seeing which videos their kid has liked. "As part of our commitment to safety, the wellbeing of our users is incredibly important to us. TikTok is safe for 12-years olds, but only the curated version for users under the age of 13. 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. If you swipe left, you'll see a more personally curated feed called "Following," featuring uploads from the people you choose to follow. Nelson Aguilar March 2, 2023 5:50 a.m. PT 8 min read. One of the unique dangers of TikTok is how easily it allows users to create and share visual content. "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. }); Within TikToks security settings, there are three specific parental controls to help parents create a safer experience for their children. TikTok encourages content creation, as users can use the "Reactions" feature to respond to videos they like with their own take. Age is just one factor. 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. nhc nn - SharkTank. Teens are often more impulsive and more likely to do things online that they wouldnt normally do, especially when it comes to peer approval. The solution isn't getting rid of the app, because there will always be another one. There are two main reasons why you should set up your own account on TikTok. A Comprehensive Guide for Parents. TikTok account is set to the public by default, allowing everyone to sneak peek at what your child is posting. You are now subscribed to the Children's Health Family Newsletter. Is TikTok Safe For Kids and Teens? To stop your account from being recommended by TikTok: By default, your account is suggested to other people on TikTok. This engages their critical thinking, which is never a bad thing. The default is referred to as "For You," which is an algorithmically generated stream of videos similar to Instagram's Explore page, Wired explains. 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. "Clicking on those dots will take you to the 'Privacy and settings section of the app," she explains. You can add filters and songs, as well as collaborate with other digital creators. Need the fast version? Enable These Privacy Settings Right Now TikTok can be a dangerous place, especially for children. 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. Nelson Aguilar is an LA-based tech how-to writer and graduate of UCLA. However, the lack of these features makes it unappealing for most kids. There's also the worry of violent and obscene videos coming up in their timelines. Keep an open and honest discussion about theirand yourdigital literacy and footprint.". 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. 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. ", Not unlike Twitter or Facebook, TikTok might lead to cyberbullying and trolling. However, being active in the digital world means that your child is always accessible to some extent. 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. Read Common Sense Media's full review of TikTok, and learn more about this popular platform. Offer to hold the camera or turn it around to do a selfie duet. You can also ask about any friends they've met online and what types of videos they share. Learn more about viral internet stunts and how to talk to your kid about them. We suggest making the following changes: The next section is personalization and data, including settings that determine how TikTok uses your teens data to target advertisements. After all, why would a ten-year-old care about data security? However, entering a fake birthday will bypass the restriction. 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. Leading children's charity, incorporated by Royal Charter. 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 there a kid friendly version of TikTok? Spotlight: This is another TikTok-like feature that collects snaps submitted by users into one giant feed. 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. 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. (The app is currently working to be able to monitor TikTok on iOS.) Guides and resources for parents. ParentsWonder.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. )For many users, widespread exposure is the attraction of TikTok. However, you should still review the settings to ensure theyve been set up correctly. Social media apps are a privilege and not a right for children. People of all ages use TikTok, and a lot of the videos involve lip-synching or dancing to pop hits. 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. 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. Using the platform can potentially expose children to predators, mature content, bullying, and data breaches. They arent allowed to comment, post videos, or search for users and tags. Block someone's account so they can't see your profile, send you messages and more. Talk to your child about the app's potential dangers, such as meeting random strangers or posting content they may regret. Talk to your child about self control, compassion and empathy. 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 . Keep reading to learn more about the dangers, social expectations, and consequences of using this platform at a young age. These things might be harder for them to share with you directly because theyre embarrassed or scared. 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. Kids use TikTok as a way to connect with their friends and have some creative self-expression. Or you can use your phone contacts or social media followers to find friends already on the app. Fellowship and Subspecialty Training Programs, Child Life and Music Therapy Training Opportunities, Pediatric Clinical Trials & Experimental Medication, Resources for Transgender Youth and Their Families. Addicting likes, comments, and followers, How the Younger Users version of TikTok works, 3. Two-step verification is an added layer of security thats beneficial to your child if someone else gets ahold of their password. The lawsuit that led to their Under 13 version of the app occurred because they illegally stored the data of minors. Children can contactChildlineany time to get support themselves. There are also several tutorial videos that can help kids learn how to use tiktok. "Are you attracted to the world of glamor and celebrities to. Talk with them about what they enjoy about the app. Get health tips and parenting advice from Children's Health experts sent straight to your inbox twice a month. They may use these features to build trust with your child, which could lead to physical danger. First, you'll need to find the mentions and tags settings. 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? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How can I monitor my kid's activity on TikTok? Where there is social media, theres inappropriate content. There are several social media platforms designed specifically for children. For its younger users, TikTok collects less data (though it still captures registration details including name, birth date, username, and password). She is 10 years old. Parents should regularly check the app to ensure the controls are still in place. 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. 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. This feature requires access to your childs account through their personal device to set up. Children of all ages utilize the platform for entertainment and communication and to gain a social following. The app is popular for viral dances and celebrity cameos and is a creative and fun platform for teens to enjoy. Here's What the Experts Have to Say, What Is Photo Roulette? Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help. 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!" No, TikTok does not promote a safe environment for kids below 13 as it is home to mature and vulgar content. 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. No, the full version of TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years of age. Learn about the dangers of TikTok and how to keep your child safe by reading our article here. From there, select the features you want to enable: Screen Time Management. Kidzworld: This is a moderated, child-friendly application that allows children to participate in forums and chat with others their age. "This is the largest civil penalty in a children's privacy case in history," Jordan says. Choosing to monitor your child on social media can be a difficult decision, but doing whats best for their safety is the priority. Abram went to hide in a cave and remain until it was safe (Jasher 8:36). 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. 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. 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. However, the Under 13 function of TikTok is safe for children who dont meet the age requirements. All accounts created by 13-16-year-olds are set to private by default. Cyberbullying is an ever-growing problem for children and teens active online. According to the TikTok policy, the user must be at least 13 years old to use the app's full features. Sometimes platforms also test out different types of content with similar themes to see how we interact, so it knows what to show us in the future. 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. While this set-up could support child's artistic impulses, it might also cause anxiety, Jordan says. Users might become victims of cyberbullying. And of course, there's always the chance that a clip can go viral. 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. 2. They won't be able to publish the video without selecting who will be allowed to see it. 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. Common Sense rates Instagram for age 15 and up because of mature content, access to strangers, marketing ploys, and data collection. Sounds: TikTok-like feature that allows users to include music with snaps. Social media apps are known for harmful effects on mental health, like increased depression and anxiety, according to researchers. Most of the popular challenges, such as the intricately choreographed dance number Renegade and pranks such as the backwards hoodie fridge mixup are harmless. Users can block and report accounts or comments, but critics say TikTok is often slow in addressing reports. The platform uses algorithms to show users different video content based on their interests and other videos they watch. Many people use DMs to harass, bully and spam other people. The nature of the app might cause kids anxiety. How safe is TikTok? * This data is collected with additional user permission or under specific circumstances. Children are more protected through TikToks Under 13 version and parental account features. TikTok is no exception. As of August 12, 2021, the app rolled out the following new safety features for teens: In February 2020, TikTok announced new parental control settings released in the United Kingdom (and coming to more countries soon). 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. The minimum age for TikTok users is 13 years old. The presence of cyberbullies, predators, and inappropriate content makes the platform a dangerous place. Make sure to talk to your teen before they get any bad ideas. 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. Below, we discuss in detail the various dangers your child might encounter if they join TikTok. 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. All rights reserved. TikTok is also a lot more . }); Weston House, 42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. 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. 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. As long as someone knows your TikTok username, they can tag you in other videos or mention you in comments. "It provides fodder for bullies to make fun of them. Children can easily bypass privacy measures if not supervised by an adult. A recent report by Ofcom highlighted that over half of 3-17-year-olds are using TikTok. 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. Learn more about Amazon Lockers. TikTok shares many of the same dangers as the wider Internet. TikTok offers Restricted Mode, which was designed to filter mature content for young users. If a teen reaches their limit, they have to enter a passcode to keep scrolling. Fight seasonal allergies in kids. Comments on any social media service can quickly turn hostile, and TikTok is no exception. New safety features were introduced as of August 2021. This allows full access to mature content such as sexually explicit themes, drug-related activities, and violence. Blocking and reporting content on TikTok doesnt just keep the app a safer place for your child, but other children using it, too. It's a chance for your content to be seen around the world. For instance, TikTok collects registration details including name, birth date, username, and password. Online safety activities to do with your child. Ensuring a childs safety on the internet can be a tedious undertaking. They may also become obsessed with likes and virtual approval, which isn't healthy for their emotional well-being. Lastly, some children may turn to social media apps like TikTok because they are seeking affirmation or praise online. TikTok is intended for 13+ users according to the app's community guidelines. So no, my daughter isn't allowed to have TikTok. She has an educational background in journalism and has worked in content marketing across several industries, including finance and cybersecurity. Copyright 2023 NSPCC / All rights reserved. "When videos aren't funny or successful, they're referred to as 'cringey,'" Jordan explains. The features under discoverability have to do with how people can find you (or how you find them) on TikTok. 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. These featureshold the key to how your child interacts with others on the platform. (If you choose Family Pairing, you'll need your kid's phone to sync the settings.). With older children, you can have a conversation to agree on reasonable limits as well as reasonable consequences if the rules are broken. The app is broken into two main feed sections. 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. Being a kid these days is hard enough. It includes the ability to set daily viewing time limits, put a kid's account on Restricted Mode to limit their exposure to content that may not be appropriate, and turn off their ability to send and receive direct messages. They care little about age, circumstance, or the well-being of others. Call us on0808 800 5000or contact us online. 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. What Parents Need To Know About the Gas 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. Your information is safe and you can easily unsubscribe at any time. 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. 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. TikToks terms and conditions state that all users must be at least 13 years of age to access the full application. Parents want to keep their kids safe not only at school, in the playground, and at home but online too. Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. TikTok is a video-sharing platform where you can watch and create videos, and livestream. "I'm so hurt. April 24, 2022 There are currently many social networks that, as a parent, you should keep track of your child engaging in. TikTok's official age requirement is 13 years old. 2023 CNET, a Red Ventures company. Is Overwatch Safe for Kids? 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. TikTok can be a kid-friendly experience if you supervise your kids, use safety settings, and stick to songs you already know. TikToks limited version of the platform for those under 13 has extended privacy policies and restrictions. TikTok, like many other social media platforms, poses a significant danger to the mental, emotional, and physical health of children. 2022 Children's Health. All of the videos on tiktok are safe for year olds. You can create an account yourself to learn about what controls exist and how the app works. In 2021, the Irish Data Protection Commission investigated TikTok for its user data collection methods. It's also important to remember that the app is meant for kids who are 13 or older. If you have any concerns at all about a childs safety or wellbeing, dont hesitate to contact us. The private message and comment features also allow potential predators to connect with your child while posing as a younger kid. Toggle the switch for Private Account. TikTok offers Restricted Mode, which was designed to filter mature content for young users. Get your own TikTok account and educate yourself. And it requires that all users under age 18 obtain parental. In her free time, she enjoys traveling within the states to kayak, camp, and hike. The app also lets you share videos by email, text, or other social media apps, where you can better control who sees it. TikTok is a video-shared focused social media site launched in 2016 that has been downloaded over two billion times and has over 600 million users, as of this year. Even though the Younger Users version of TikTok filters out mature content, its still likely that inappropriate content will make its way through. They also talked about how screenshots and screen recording tech can mean something seemingly impermanent might become a meme that haunts you. Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. Cyberbullies will troll others online and make rude or hateful comments on their videos. It is not necessary and does not enhance their lives one little bit. For example, internet slang like 5ex (sex) or CU46 (see you for sex) can be considered a red flag. 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.