However, while TikTok is fun, the same elements that make TikTok a digital playground for kids also pose some serious security issues. They may use these features to build trust with your child, which could lead to physical danger. If you want to stop a certain account from being able to see your profile, you can block them -- whether they're harassing or stalking you, or for any reason you like. TikTok was the most downloaded social media app in the world in 2020. So, your child could come across swearing, scantily clad adults, and suggestive dancing.. The platform uses algorithms to show users different video content based on their interests and other videos they watch. A video tells others what they look like, their age, sometimes where they live and other personal information. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. While most content on TikTok is out there for the world to see, direct messages aren't so clear and visible. No place on the internet is entirely safe for kids, including the TikTok app. If an account is pretending to be someone else or harassing people in general, you might be able to report the offending actions and have the account restricted or permanently banned. They can be songs, activities, or dances that start trending and then get copied by users on the platform. Teens are often more impulsive and more likely to do things online that they wouldnt normally do, especially when it comes to peer approval. Go toProfile>three-dash menu>Settings and privacy>Privacy>Mentions and tags,and configure these settings: You can restrict who mentions and tags you on TikTok. TikTok also offers some tools for parents and caregivers to limit how much time kids spend on the app and what kids can see. Hence, your 10-year old's obsession with the TikTok app is probably one of the things you're scratching your head about. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age. First, you'll need to find the mentions and tags settings. For its younger users, TikTok collects less data (though it still captures registration details including name, birth date, username, and password). Delivered Tuesdays and Thursdays. Because TikTok uses algorithms to show users new content, its easy for young people to come across inappropriate or upsetting videos. However, TikTok does have several privacy and safety features built into the app. Users can browse different videos on TikTok via a personalised feed known as the For You Page. Many people use DMs to harass, bully and spam other people. There are several social media platforms designed specifically for children. This way, youll see what theyre posting, who they interact with, and what videos they like. TikTok has a feature that allows two users who aren't in the same place to perform a duet. Kids on TikTok often want their videos to be liked, and this makes them vulnerable to safety threats on TikTok, like sexual exploitation. Common Sense rates Instagram for age 15 and up because of mature content, access to strangers, marketing ploys, and data collection. How old should you be to use Discord? Kids use TikTok as a way to connect with their friends and have some creative self-expression. TikTok is no exception to this trend. With 3 billion downloads to date, TikTok is currently the hottest social media site for tweens and teens. TikToks Younger Users version is really just an absence of features, not a redesign of the app made for kids. For younger children, parents can turn on parental controls so they can restrict what content children can view. 7 Best Parental Control and Monitoring Apps of 2023, Everything ParentsNeedto Know About Discord, I'm a Mom and a Children's Privacy Lawyer: Here's What I Do and Don't Post About My Kid Online, Why It's Never Too Early to Teach Your Child Good Social Media Habits, Is Omegle Safe for Kids? : Frequently Asked Questions. Nelson Aguilar is an LA-based tech how-to writer and graduate of UCLA. This is my place to share my journey. Young users aged 10 to 19made up 25% of TikToks users in 2021, the largest share of all age groups. When setting limits and rules, ensure your child knows there will be no negative consequences if they come to you with safety concerns. If you have any concerns at all about a childs safety or wellbeing, dont hesitate to contact us. 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. Mom Warns That Her 7-Year-Old's Avatar Was Sexually Assaulted on an Online Game. However, being active in the digital world means that your child is always accessible to some extent. 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. Family Pairing. Chances are they wont. Trolling is popular on TikTok, tooespecially through the 'Reactions' feature.". Children's Health will not sell, share or rent your information to third parties. As a parent or guardian of a TikTok user, its important you make sure your child has the right privacy settings in place. 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. TikTok has been the target of some controversy over its privacy policies. 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. 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. According to TikToks terms and conditions, all users must be at least 13 years of age to access the full application. TikTok allows creators to access popular songs to edit their videos, some of which contain harsh curse words and sexual language. You can create an account yourself to learn about what controls exist and how the app works. They also failed to notify parents of exactly how they collected children's data or allow them to ask to have that data deleted.". First, find the account you want to block and go to their profile. 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. To make your TikTok account private, go to your profile page and select the three-dot icon in the top-right corner. At the end of the day, you are still the parent. Charley is a mother of three with a passion for raising good humans. Plus, as with any social media, we enjoy the attention we get from likes, follows, and video shares. You should consider your child's level of responsibility, self-regulation and impulsivity. 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. They also have restricted access to direct messages and livestreaming. Research out of China found that depression, anxiety, and stress stemming from TikTok addiction is linked to tied to poorer working memory for teens. 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. Social Media. TikToks comment and messaging features are home to online harassment, cyberbullying, and predatory messaging. While waiting for this feature to launch in America, you can take the following measures to keep your kid safe. TikTok is required to comply with the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which limits what data companies can collect about kids under 13. 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. TikTok encourages content creation, as users can use the "Reactions" feature to respond to videos they like with their own take. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers, social expectations, and consequences of using this platform at a young age. In general, there are better social media alternatives for 10-year-olds. Need the fast version? Is TikTok Safe for Kids? If you don't feel comfortable with other people having your videos saved on their devices, you can disable that feature. Spotlight: This is another TikTok-like feature that collects snaps submitted by users into one giant feed. Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. However, TikTok knows that younger kids will find ways to sign up anyway, such as by using false birthdates. If they know youre keeping an eye on their activity, teens will think twice about what they post. April 24, 2022 There are currently many social networks that, as a parent, you should keep track of your child engaging in. "Clicking on those dots will take you to the 'Privacy and settings section of the app," she explains. This engages their critical thinking, which is never a bad thing. How to start the conversation with your child about staying safe online, and what to do if you're worried about online safety. But as kids have been continuing to hit download, parents are still wondering if it's safe. Less data is collected from TikToks Younger Users compared to users aged 13 and above. 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. Only users over the age of 16 can record live videos or use the private messaging feature. With the Stitch feature, your video and someone else's video are integrated into each other -- you can edit a portion of their video into yours. 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. 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. 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). 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. Most of the popular challenges, such as the intricately choreographed dance number Renegade and pranks such as the backwards hoodie fridge mixup are harmless. Parents can pair their childs account to their own through TikToks Family Pairing mode. However, you should still review the settings to ensure they've been set up correctly. However, if your video is in a duet or you're on a livestream with multiple hosts, it's possible that a blocked account may be able to see those videos. All rights reserved. TikTok has a poor history of data security. "Are you attracted to the world of glamor and celebrities to. "The law requires companies to obtain parental consent to collect the data of kids under 13, and TikTok did not do so. No, TikTok isnt safe for young users, but no social media platform is. Toggle the switch for Private Account. I'm thrilled you're here and hope you find everything you're looking for! (If you choose Family Pairing, you'll need your kid's phone to sync the settings.). "I'm so hurt. 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. This opens the door for dangerous dialogue with strangers. TikTok on its own is not safe or recommended for those under 13. 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. According to the TikTok policy, the user must be at least 13 years old to use the app's full features. Is Snapchat safe for preteens and teens? TikTok for Under 13 If you decide to let your child use TikTok before they turn 13, you need to know the risks. Kids may not realize that when they put a video out, they are telling people on the Internet things about themselves. Recommended Video And bypassing that section only requires entering a false birth date, so it's not perfect. The best mobile apps for tweens can provide a rich world of entertainment for growing minds. 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. Online safety activities to do with your child. When Abram came out from the cave, he was 10 years old. Age is just one factor. You can enable time limits and the content filter on your kid's phone and protect the settings with a passcode. For example, internet slang like 5ex (sex) or CU46 (see you for sex) can be considered a red flag. Receive expert tips on using phones, computers, smart home gear and more. You are now subscribed to the Children's Health Family Newsletter. In this section, kids can only see curated, clean videos, and aren't allowed to comment, search, or post their own videos. 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. 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. Currently, a video-sharing app called TikTok is one of the most prevalent, especially among teens. According to Jordan,. 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. "We also discussed why it's so important to have a private account and only connect with people you truly know in real life," Jordan says. But dont worry, you can keep your kids safe on TikTokby understanding the risks and then talking to your teen about your concerns. Nelson Aguilar March 2, 2023 5:50 a.m. PT 8 min read. The solution is hands-on parenting. Offer to hold the camera or turn it around to do a selfie duet. TikTok's official age requirement is 13 years old. Below, we discuss in detail the various dangers your child might encounter if they join TikTok. A section of the app that includes additional safety and privacy features is available in the U.S. for kids under 13. Additionally, by using apps, it's important to be aware that you are sharing personal information, and that can come with some risks. In time, your kids will begin exercising initiative and start protecting themselves online on their own. For kids under 13, TikTok created a Younger Users version of the social media app. }); Restricted Mode was designed to prevent kids from seeing mature contentprovided they don't independently try to seek it outand adults can sign up for an account and then link it to their kid's account via the Family Pairing mode. 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. While the safest way to use TikTok is with a private account, the social nature of the app and the rapid success of some of its stars -- including Charli D'Amelio, a dancer whose TikTok fame led to a TV deal -- might have your kids begging to go public. Parents want to keep their kids safe not only at school, in the playground, and at home but online too. 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. No place on the internet is entirely safe for kids, including the TikTok app. . "And many chase after that popularity by taking part in challenges, which can often be dangerous. Fellowship and Subspecialty Training Programs, Child Life and Music Therapy Training Opportunities, Pediatric Clinical Trials & Experimental Medication, Resources for Transgender Youth and Their Families. Alternatively, you could allow them to keep using the app through the Family Pairing feature (which we talk about below). The app has an age-rating of 13+. And of course, there's always the chance that a clip can go viral. On TikTok, you can react to other videos by either inserting yourself into their videos or using their videos in your own. TikTok requires that users be at least 13 years old to use the basic TikTok features, although there is a way for younger kids to access the app. Nonetheless, the case is a reason parents should remain vigilant against data abuses, she says. Children are more protected through TikToks Under 13 version and parental account features. The Federal Trade Commission fined TikTok $5.7 million for violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Once you send in a Spotlight, it's public and can be viewed by anyone on or off the platform. However, the Under 13 function of TikTok is safe for children who dont meet the age requirements. "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. Learn why it's important to be aware of your child's online activities and how to encourageonline safety in the digital age. You can also search for content using topics or hashtags. 2022 Children's Health. 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. 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. They also talked about how screenshots and screen recording tech can mean something seemingly impermanent might become a meme that haunts you. }); Weston House, 42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. The solution isn't getting rid of the app, because there will always be another one. You can also ask about any friends they've met online and what types of videos they share. All rights reserved. Always up to date with the latest news, promotions and reviews. 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 Youll need a TikTok account and your teens phone to complete this process from start to finish. Using the Friends setting or turning those features off completely limits contact with strangers. Other tools that offer parental controls and monitoring services include Secure Teen and Norton Family Premier. Is Overwatch Safe for Kids? Social media is a double-edged sword, and you need to make sure they're ready. Challenges are any idea that goes viral. 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. It's not all fun, games, and lip-sync videos, after all. Age is just one factor. Cyberbullying is an ever-growing problem for children and teens active online. Social media apps are a privilege and not a right for children. If your child sets up a false account, then their data and information can be used in accordance with TikToks terms and conditions. She has an educational background in journalism and has worked in content marketing across several industries, including finance and cybersecurity. They did this to comply with COPPA or the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. As far as I'm concerned, no child needs to be on social media at the age of 10. 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. Here are some tips to set up your own account: Now, youve got your TikTok account. Nimrod was worried about losing control and tried to kill Abraham at a young age. What to do if you're worried about something a child has experienced online. This can make it easy for predators to use flattery and compliments as a way into kids' lives, making them feel special while putting them at ease.". No, TikTok does not promote a safe environment for kids below 13 as it is home to mature and vulgar content. 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. Under Digital Wellbeing, youll also see Restricted Mode. * This data is collected with additional user permission or under specific circumstances. It's true that users must be over 18 without parental permission, but reality is that children don't always follow these rules. TikTok offers a few ways for parents and caregivers to manage kids' accounts. 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. These applications take extensive safety and privacy measures to safely allow kids to explore the online world. Are tiktok videos safe? If children delete the app and reinstall it, those controls will be gone. There are several ways to monitor your child on TikTok. Is TikTok Safe For Kids and Teens? They also illegally stored minors' data. "If your kid is on any social media platform, make sure you as a parent or guardian have some understanding of it," she notes. 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. 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. 8 Best Apps for Keeping Tabs on Your Kids. 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. The more likes, followers, or comments a video gets, the more validation your teen feels they are receiving. I'm the mom of a beautiful girl and identical twin boys. Lastly, some children may turn to social media apps like TikTok because they are seeking affirmation or praise online. Offer to help film videos for them. Is Tiktok Safe for 10-Year-Olds? 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. This blocks mature content, but even with the filter on, kids using the app on their own might come across age-inappropriate videos. This feature requires access to your childs account through their personal device to set up. Secondly, if your teen is older or resistant to sharing an account, youll be able tokeep up with TikTok trends and TikTok challenges on your own account. One of the unique dangers of TikTok is how easily it allows users to create and share visual content. behavior, communication, safety, self-esteem, social media, social skills. Please read our privacy policy. And it requires that all users under age 18 obtain parental. 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. 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). For instance, TikTok collects registration details including name, birth date, username, and password. 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. Consider adjusting the following settings: Don't like what's going on in your comment section? "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). Sign them up for the curated version for tweens under 13. 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. Talk to your child about the app's potential dangers, such as meeting random strangers or posting content they may regret. Using the platform can potentially expose children to predators, mature content, bullying, and data breaches. "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. The anxiety, social pressure and insecurity our children are feeling is only amplified by apps such as TikTok. Block someone's account so they can't see your profile, send you messages and more. 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. Enable These Privacy Settings Right Now TikTok can be a dangerous place, especially for children. New safety features were introduced as of August 2021. Those under 16 don't have access to direct messages. TikTok users sign up with a phone number, an email address, or a third-party account such as Facebook and Instagram. So no, my daughter isn't allowed to have TikTok. 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. People can also create multiple accounts, using aliases to target others they don't like. On this page, you can also control other safety and privacy features, such as who can send you comments and direct messages, and who can do a duet with you. The user interface is simple and organized, making it easy for kids to find the videos they want to watch. Children can contactChildlineany time to get support themselves. A 10-year-old Pennsylvania girl has died after attempting the "Blackout Challenge" that gained popularity on TikTok earlier this year. RELATED: Online Gaming Playdates Are a Perfect Window Into How Our Kids Handle Conflict. In order to bypass the age restriction, all your child has to do is enter a false birth year. People of all ages use TikTok, and a lot of the videos involve lip-synching or dancing to pop hits. COPPA limits what data social media apps can collect from kids under 13. 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. Learn about the dangers of TikTok and how to keep your child safe by reading our article here. Our children are living in a digital world.