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Is your child safe on TikTok? Do you know what the app is about? We have the full scoop on your teen’s favourite app.
TikTok has become a well-used app on almost everyone’s smartphones since it’s rise during the pandemic. Today, it has over 1.6 billion users globally and it’s very likely your teen is one of them. With entertaining videos ranging from comedic clips, unique interests, cooking tips and more, it’s easy to see why everyone’s on TikTok! We’ve got the details on everything you need to know when it comes to your teen’s habits on the app.
ARE THERE PARENTAL CONTROLS?
The app allows you to set time limits on usage, filter mature content and you can disable direct messaging. TikTok’s main emphasis is on popular music, tutorials, story times and a place for many to keep up with their favourite celebs and influencers. However, there’s always the risk of inappropriate content and hate speech. It’s always best to protect your child’s digital wellbeing before they begin infinite scrolling – TikTok’s guidelines will prevent the search for mature or explicit content. It’s important to also note that the minimum legal age for TikTok users is 13 years old, however TikTok doesn't have any verification tools for when new users sign up.
HOW SAFE IS IT?
Any social media platform has risks. Your data, photos, videos and location can all be public knowledge, so people can send private (sometimes inappropriate) messages to your teen.
HOW DO I DO THIS?
Go into the account and tap the three dots at the top right of the user profile. Select ‘Digital Wellbeing’ next to the icon of an umbrella. From there, select the features you want to enable/disable:
Screen Time Management: limits usage from 40 minutes to two hours
Restricted Mode: blocks mature content
Lock the settings with a password
The app allows you to set time limits on usage, filter mature content and you can disable direct messaging. TikTok’s main emphasis is on popular music, tutorials, story times and a place for many to keep up with their favourite celebs and influencers. However, there’s always the risk of inappropriate content and hate speech. It’s always best to protect your child’s digital wellbeing before they begin infinite scrolling – TikTok’s guidelines will prevent the search for mature or explicit content. It’s important to also note that the minimum legal age for TikTok users is 13 years old, however TikTok doesn't have any verification tools for when new users sign up.
HOW SAFE IS IT?
Any social media platform has risks. Your data, photos, videos and location can all be public knowledge, so people can send private (sometimes inappropriate) messages to your teen.
HOW DO I DO THIS?
Go into the account and tap the three dots at the top right of the user profile. Select ‘Digital Wellbeing’ next to the icon of an umbrella. From there, select the features you want to enable/disable:
Screen Time Management: limits usage from 40 minutes to two hours
Restricted Mode: blocks mature content
Lock the settings with a password
(For more helpful advice visit www.commonsensemedia.org).
HOW CAN IT BE USED FOR GOOD?
Use it to have fun together! Join them on the app and make a few videos together. You can then control what’s being filmed and save them as ‘private’ so only you, your child’s friends and family can see them.
TikTok can also be a great platform for learning new skills. Creators such as LaChief share tech-savvy tricks, while letskwoowk shares cooking basics for students. They can learn more about art, history and culture too!
The app is known for its ability to connect communities of like-minded people across the globe. This allows your teen to find fellow enthusiasts for everything from makeup to motor racing. Whatever their interests, TikTok is an amazing space to let them explore their creativity.
HOW CAN IT BE USED FOR GOOD?
Use it to have fun together! Join them on the app and make a few videos together. You can then control what’s being filmed and save them as ‘private’ so only you, your child’s friends and family can see them.
TikTok can also be a great platform for learning new skills. Creators such as LaChief share tech-savvy tricks, while letskwoowk shares cooking basics for students. They can learn more about art, history and culture too!
The app is known for its ability to connect communities of like-minded people across the globe. This allows your teen to find fellow enthusiasts for everything from makeup to motor racing. Whatever their interests, TikTok is an amazing space to let them explore their creativity.
Photography: Pexels
TIKTOK: IS IT A CONCERN?
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Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
January 15, 2024
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
January 15, 2024
Rating:
