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. There are other ways to protect your child while they use the full version of the app, but doing so violates TikToks guidelines. Ask your child to give you a demo of the app or show you their favourite account. There are also several tutorial videos that can help kids learn how to use tiktok. Weve put together a comprehensive guide to help you determine the best course of action for your childs TikTok use. On both phones, tap the three dots next to the user profile. In this section, kids can only see curated, clean videos, and aren't allowed to comment, search, or post their own videos. Children can contactChildlineany time to get support themselves. Once you send in a Spotlight, it's public and can be viewed by anyone on or off the platform. Nelson Aguilar is an LA-based tech how-to writer and graduate of UCLA. You can add filters and songs, as well as collaborate with other digital creators. "This is the largest civil penalty in a children's privacy case in history," Jordan says. If you find someone that you don't want to have access to your profile and videos, you can then block them. Kids may not realize that when they put a video out, they are telling people on the Internet things about themselves. He was sent to live with Noah and his son Shem, and he remained with them to . Only users age 16 and over can livestream and use direct messaging, and only users over 18 can buy, send, or receive virtual gifts. This feature requires access to your childs account through their personal device to set up. Inappropriate content can affect your child's brain and thinking ability. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? Nica is a news and tech editor at VPNOverview. In the meantime, however, you can begin educating them about internet safety and online privacy. With social media platforms like TikTok gaining popularity, there are valid concerns for the parents of older children. TikTok is safe for 12-years olds, but only the curated version for users under the age of 13. }); Weston House, 42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. You can post it or save it as "private" so only you can see. We want people to have fun on TikTok, but it's also important for our community to look after their wellbeing which means having a healthy relationship with online apps and services," according to TikTok. Spotlight: This is another TikTok-like feature that collects snaps submitted by users into one giant feed. 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. 8 Best Apps for Keeping Tabs on Your Kids. How to set up TikTok's parental controls: The most important piece of information in TikTok is the user's birthday. Using the platform can potentially expose children to predators, mature content, bullying, and data breaches. All rights reserved. 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). 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. Here are some tips: Setting up a brand new TikTok account for your kid? 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. Age is just one factor. * This data is collected with additional user permission or under specific circumstances. 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. People of all ages use TikTok, and a lot of the videos involve lip-synching or dancing to pop hits. In her free time, she enjoys traveling within the states to kayak, camp, and hike. The anxiety, social pressure and insecurity our children are feeling is only amplified by apps such as TikTok. Hence, your 10-year old's obsession with the TikTok app is probably one of the things you're scratching your head about. 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. Make sure to talk to your teen before they get any bad ideas. For instance, proof of identity is required when verifying users applying for a Pro Account. Our children are living in a digital world. Ask them to show you their favorite videos. All rights reserved. These applications take extensive safety and privacy measures to safely allow kids to explore the online world. Best answer: TikTok can be safe for kids 13 years and older. In an effort to address these concerns, they created Younger Users. However, TikTok does have several privacy and safety features built into the app. Nelson Aguilar March 2, 2023 5:50 a.m. PT 8 min read. TikTok is also a lot more . TikTok allows creators to access popular songs to edit their videos, some of which contain harsh curse words and sexual language. Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Laura Bedrossian, vice president, social strategy, at integrated marketing communications agency Hot Paper Lantern, reminds parents that knowledge is power. Your TikTok account is normally suggested to several groups, including your contacts, Facebook friends, people with mutual connections and people who open or send links to you (including links to content on TikTok that are shared outside of TikTok). To make your TikTok account private, go to your profile page and select the three-dot icon in the top-right corner. 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. This ensures that children cant change the parental controls settings once they are set. The Federal Trade Commission fined TikTok $5.7 million for violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). TikTok is no exception to this trend. Talk to your child about the app's potential dangers, such as meeting random strangers or posting content they may regret. Toggle the switch for Private Account. The lawsuit that led to their Under 13 version of the app occurred because they illegally stored the data of minors. If you select the "only me" option for the following list, other users will still be able to see your mutual friends. As far as I'm concerned, no child needs to be on social media at the age of 10. There are still other ways to download videos from TikTok, especially with third-party services. 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. Here's why: 1. In short, people love TikTok because its easy to use while still being personalized to their tastes. There are two main reasons why you should set up your own account on TikTok. She has an educational background in journalism and has worked in content marketing across several industries, including finance and cybersecurity. Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+, TikTok doesn't necessarily have a perfect record, Help Kids Navigate Viral Social Media Stunts. 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. RELATED: Types of Bullying Parents Should Know About. 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. Your child's safety is the most important thing. You can also ask about any friends they've met online and what types of videos they share. It's not all fun, games, and lip-sync videos, after all. However, the lack of these features makes it unappealing for most kids. It's also important to remember that the app is meant for kids who are 13 or older. 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. The caveat is that the kid-friendly version isnt commonly utilized. "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. 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. They did this to comply with COPPA or the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. 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. What Parents Need To Know About the Gas App. RELATED: Online Gaming Playdates Are a Perfect Window Into How Our Kids Handle Conflict. You can create an account yourself to learn about what controls exist and how the app works. It's almost impossible to change an incorrect birthday (this article explains how to submit a support ticket to request a birthday change).All users ages 13-15 (no one under 13 is supposed to use the app) automatically have the following features disabled (as of January 2021): Here are some tips to set up your own account: Now, youve got your TikTok account. Users can block and report accounts or comments, but critics say TikTok is often slow in addressing reports. All rights reserved. Users might become victims of cyberbullying. 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. No place on the internet is entirely safe for kids, including the TikTok app. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Registered charity in England and Wales (216401), Scotland (SC037717) and Jersey (384). Children are more protected through TikToks Under 13 version and parental account features. ", Not unlike Twitter or Facebook, TikTok might lead to cyberbullying and trolling. Then select "Digital Wellbeing" next to the icon of an umbrella. A recent report by Ofcom highlighted that over half of 3-17-year-olds are using TikTok. From there, select the features you want to enable: Screen Time Management. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age. While it was established that TikTok doesnt use data any differently than other media platforms, they are not innocent. What to do if you're worried about something a child has experienced online. Abram went to hide in a cave and remain until it was safe (Jasher 8:36). When setting limits and rules, ensure your child knows there will be no negative consequences if they come to you with safety concerns. Only users over the age of 16 can record live videos or use the private messaging feature. "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. The app is popular for viral dances and celebrity cameos and is a creative and fun platform for teens to enjoy. ", TikToks in either feed might also feature content that's highly personal or sensitive, Jordan notes. 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. The nature of social media is risky because anyone could have access to your child or their information through some means. 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. 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. You can also browse and interact with other users' content, which covers a wide range of topics, songs, and styles. If you have a public account and you're over 16 years old, anyone on TikTok can access your profile and watch your videos. Find out about different social media platforms and how to help children stay safe when using them. TikTok does not verify your child's age when they sign up for an account. If your childs account is public, this opens them up to the eyes and messages of strangers. A Comprehensive Guide for Parents. Parents can set a passcode in the childs account to prevent them from disabling the feature. However, the Under 13 function of TikTok is safe for children who dont meet the age requirements. "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. From recipes to song covers, dance challenges, comedy skits, and even pool-cleaning videos whatever your interest is, theres a TikTok video for you. However, exposure to age-inappropriate material can still occur, and parental supervision is recommended. Is TikTok Safe For Kids and Teens? Trolling is popular on TikTok, tooespecially through the 'Reactions' feature.". We respect your privacy. By default, anyone who stumbles across your video on TikTok can download it using the site's built-in video download feature. If you. Once logged in, you can find videos by searching for popular creators, categories (like comedy, animals, sports), and hashtags. Challenges are any idea that goes viral. Call us on0808 800 5000or contact us online. 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. 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. To find your comment settings, go toProfile>three-dash menu>Settings and privacy>Privacy > Comments. Under Digital Wellbeing, youll also see Restricted Mode. In order to bypass the age restriction, all your child has to do is enter a false birth year. Parents utilizing this tool can manage account restrictions, view watch history, and track app activities. 2022 Children's Health. First, connecting your account to your childs account using the feature Family Pairing gives you the ability to control some privacy settings. With older children, you can have a conversation to agree on reasonable limits as well as reasonable consequences if the rules are broken. TikTok has a poor history of data security. TikTok is a free social media platform that lets you create, share and watch short clips. 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. This doesnt mean you spy on their activity every day, but that you spot-check activity regularly to look for red flags. You will also notice if a dangerous challenge is trending, like the #tidepodchallenge that was devastatingly fatal for some teens. If you're only enabling this on your kid's phone, choose a passcode to lock the setting. How safe is TikTok? You can enable time limits and the content filter on your kid's phone and protect the settings with a passcode. 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. 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. 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. TikTok offers Restricted Mode, which was designed to filter mature content for young users. Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. And TikTok addiction has negative downstream effects as well. TikTok has a feature that allows two users who aren't in the same place to perform a duet. For example, internet slang like 5ex (sex) or CU46 (see you for sex) can be considered a red flag. Technically, kids under 13 cant sign up for a regular TikTok account because it violates COPPA. The question Is TikTok safe for kids? keeps parents up at night. Is TikTok Safe for Kids? TikTok was the most downloaded social media app in the world in 2020. You could even suggest creating a video together, like filming yourself taking part in a dance challenge. 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. People can also create multiple accounts, using aliases to target others they don't like. This means that not everyones For You Page is the same. Mental incapability in comprehending negative comments and cyber-stalking are horrific things that could affect your child's state of mind. 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. It offers kids an endless stream of entertaining video, whether it involves dancing, cooking or pranks. How old should you be to use Discord? Chances are they wont. 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. 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. However, don't just set the controls and never check in with your child again. But as kids have been continuing to hit download, parents are still wondering if it's safe. "Some are even publicly encouraged to attempt suicide.". They just want to watch funny videos on their phone. Read a summary of the article here! Social media also exposes kids to violent, graphic, or misinformed content they might not be ready to see. According to TikToks terms and conditions, all users must be at least 13 years of age to access the full application. Given the violation, thousands of parents complained, and TikTok launched increased efforts to improve privacy and security on the platform, according to Jordan. 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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. 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. (The app is currently working to be able to monitor TikTok on iOS.) If you have any concerns at all about a childs safety or wellbeing, dont hesitate to contact us. With 3 billion downloads to date, TikTok is currently the hottest social media site for tweens and teens. Cyberbullying is an ever-growing problem for children and teens active online. TikToks limited version of the platform for those under 13 has extended privacy policies and restrictions. Here are 11 settings that can help protect from unwanted followers, harmful comments and violent videos on TikTok. Learn more about viral internet stunts and how to talk to your kid about them. 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