You can also ask about any friends they've met online and what types of videos they share. 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. document.getElementById('enableRecite').addEventListener("click", function() { 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. ", TikToks in either feed might also feature content that's highly personal or sensitive, Jordan notes. However, don't just set the controls and never check in with your child again. 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. 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. "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. The user interface is simple and organized, making it easy for kids to find the videos they want to watch. ", Not unlike Twitter or Facebook, TikTok might lead to cyberbullying and trolling. But some, such as the skull-breaker, are really dangerous. Is TikTok safe? | NSPCC If you find someone that you don't want to have access to your profile and videos, you can then block them. And bypassing that section only requires entering a false birth date, so it's not perfect. For instance, there is always potential that your child will be exposed to age-inappropriate content like explicit lyrics, dangerous stunts or sexual content. In general, there are better social media alternatives for 10-year-olds. Hi, I'm Ashley Potter. 2K Likes, TikTok video from SharkTank (@sharktank_tiktok): "A 10-year-old girl introduces a safe and fun spoon design for kids - Part 2 #sharktank #foryou #fyp #projectpollo #deal #money #show #foryoupage #fyp". What Parents Need To Know About the Gas App. If they want to change their age, they will have to contact customer service and provide proof of their age at that point. This setting limits users' time in the app per day. They may use these features to build trust with your child, which could lead to physical danger. Kids familiar with these examples might be persuaded to do or share things they wouldn't normally do to get a larger audience. Under Security and Login users can run a report for security alerts, see what devices their account is logged in on, and manage third-party apps. TikTok, like many other social media platforms, poses a significant danger to the mental, emotional, and physical health of children. Learn more about viral internet stunts and how to talk to your kid about them. Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+, TikTok doesn't necessarily have a perfect record, Help Kids Navigate Viral Social Media Stunts. TikTok is required to comply with the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which limits what data companies can collect about kids under 13. Common Sense rates Instagram for age 15 and up because of mature content, access to strangers, marketing ploys, and data collection. 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. Is there a kid friendly version of TikTok? "As part of our commitment to safety, the wellbeing of our users is incredibly important to us. How to set up TikTok's parental controls: The most important piece of information in TikTok is the user's birthday. The next sections of this article then go over TikToks security features and settings to help users understand the app better. These options range from using a limited version of the app to just keeping an eye on the content their children are consuming. Children's Health will not sell, share or rent your information to third parties. The presence of cyberbullies, predators, and inappropriate content makes the platform a dangerous place. Teens are often more impulsive and more likely to do things online that they wouldnt normally do, especially when it comes to peer approval. It can provide hours of entertainment but also comes with a few safety risks and security issues. There are other ways to protect your child while they use the full version of the app, but doing so violates TikToks guidelines. Children can easily bypass privacy measures if not supervised by an adult. TikTok is no exception. Get health tips and parenting advice from Children's Health experts sent straight to your inbox twice a month. You can create an account yourself to learn about what controls exist and how the app works. Even though the app makers recommend that all users be older than 13, that doesn't automatically mean your teenager is ready for TikTok. Being a kid these days is hard enough. Is Tiktok Safe for 10-Year-Olds? - DIY Security Tips 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. From there, select the features you want to enable: Screen Time Management. nhc nn - SharkTank. No, TikTok isn't safe for young users, but no social media platform is. Age is just one factor. Age-inappropriate content one might see on TikTok include harsh language or curse words in song lyrics, suggestive dancing or clothing choices, or offensive or hurtful comments on videos. Then select "Digital Wellbeing" next to the icon of an umbrella. behavior, communication, safety, self-esteem, social media, social skills. All accounts created by 13-16-year-olds are set to private by default. No place on the internet is entirely safe for kids, including the TikTok app. Extensively tested by our experts. 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. Learn why it's important to be aware of your child's online activities and how to encourageonline safety in the digital age. By default, anyone who stumbles across your video on TikTok can download it using the site's built-in video download feature. TikTok Parental Controls Guide for Parents | Protect Young Eyes Sometimes they're spontaneous, but sometimes they're planned out by brands, musical artists, or influencers for marketing purposes. TikTok account is set to the public by default, allowing everyone to sneak peek at what your child is posting. On the "Settings and privacy" page, tap Privacy. When setting limits and rules, ensure your child knows there will be no negative consequences if they come to you with safety concerns. Sitemap / 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. Laura Bedrossian, vice president, social strategy, at integrated marketing communications agency Hot Paper Lantern, reminds parents that knowledge is power. Each of these parental controls requires a passcode. Using the Friends setting or turning those features off completely limits contact with strangers. This blocks mature content, but even with the filter on, kids using the app on their own might come across age-inappropriate videos. Only friends can comment on videos, and other users can't duet (explained below) with your videos. Please read our privacy policy. Parents can manage this by encouraging and modeling safe behavior, and putting limits on the type of information that kids share. This way, youll see what theyre posting, who they interact with, and what videos they like. Even though the Younger Users version of TikTok filters out mature content, its still likely that inappropriate content will make its way through. From recipes to song covers, dance challenges, comedy skits, and even pool-cleaning videos whatever your interest is, theres a TikTok video for you. 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. If it sounds like TikTok is fertile ground for a lot of fun and a good deal of trouble, that's because it is. (Accounts for people under 16 are automatically set to private. The ways that creators dance or dress may not be appropriate for all kids, either. How can I monitor my kid's activity on TikTok? Or you can use your phone contacts or social media followers to find friends already on the app. Is Tiktok Safe for 12 Year Olds? - HugATeen.com 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. A 10-year-old girl introduces a safe and fun spoon design for kids - P 2022 Children's Health. Recommended Video Then, make sure you have your kid's phone and their TikTok login handy. 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. 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. 8 Best Apps for Keeping Tabs on Your Kids. Is TikTok safe? We asked 3 security experts to find out - Trusted Reviews Is Overwatch Safe for Kids? Blocking an account may not always be enough. 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. The nature of social media is risky because anyone could have access to your child or their information through some means. There are privacy concerns when it comes to user data on TikTok. Social media apps are a privilege and not a right for children. In addition to security issues, there are other problems with the social media app that could cause issues for your child. 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. Nyla Anderson, 10 Years Old, Dies After Doing TikTok 'Blackout Cyberbullies will troll others online and make rude or hateful comments on their videos. Talk to your child about self control, compassion and empathy. 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. It's not all fun, games, and lip-sync videos, after all. 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. But there's also a dark side of TikTok. TikTokis thesecond-most popular social media site among American teenagers-- and for obvious reasons. According to TikToks terms and conditions, all users must be at least 13 years of age to access the full application. For kids under 13, TikTok created a Younger Users version of the social media app. In time, your kids will begin exercising initiative and start protecting themselves online on their own. If your childs account is public, this opens them up to the eyes and messages of strangers. Check out our social media rules for high schoolers. All of the videos on tiktok are safe for year olds. Inappropriate content can affect your child's brain and thinking ability. . They care little about age, circumstance, or the well-being of others. TikTok can be a kid-friendly experience if you supervise your kids, use safety settings, and stick to songs you already know. Learn more about TikTok for Younger Users in our resource here. The app can be safe for teens with proper parental guidance. Not to mention, the part of a teens brain that is responsible for rational thinking is not fully developed until their mid-20s. 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. That said, TikTok doesn't necessarily have a perfect record when it comes to privacy and security. Within TikToks security settings, there are three specific parental controls to help parents create a safer experience for their children. TikToks comment and messaging features are home to online harassment, cyberbullying, and predatory messaging. He was sent to live with Noah and his son Shem, and he remained with them to . Yes, tiktok is easy to use for year olds. Make sure to talk to your teen before they get any bad ideas. Use these settings to manage it. Luckily, it's easy to find everyone who has looked at your profile. There is nothing to stop predators from grooming kids. 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. Privacy / Leading children's charity, incorporated by Royal Charter. TikTok encourages content creation, as users can use the "Reactions" feature to respond to videos they like with their own take. How Do I Protect My Young Child from Cyberbullying? 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. Parents should regularly check the app to ensure the controls are still in place. Is Omegle Safe for Kids? 7 Safety Concerns for Parents "It provides fodder for bullies to make fun of them. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age. Powerful Stories About Martin Luther King Jr. How can you make your TikTok account private? Users might become victims of cyberbullying. Look out for things like graphic content and sexually explicit comments. 2. Here's why: 1. You might be wondering, Is TikTok safe for 11-year-olds? You could even suggest creating a video together, like filming yourself taking part in a dance challenge. Many kids and teens who have their videos go viral are subjected toharassment, ridicule andbullying. 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 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. Copyright 2023 NSPCC / All rights reserved. TikTok has been the target of some controversy over its privacy policies. This is a great time to be the training wheels for your kid as they learn to use . Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. 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. To turn on Restricted Mode, set a 4-digit passcode. TikTok's official age requirement is 13 years old. Once you send in a Spotlight, it's public and can be viewed by anyone on or off the platform. "TikTok is a platform that encourages performance, and many of its users are excited to showcase their talents. "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. 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. )For many users, widespread exposure is the attraction of TikTok. 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 your child signs up to TikTok with the correct age All accounts created by 13-16-year-olds are set to private by default. 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. Parents want to keep their kids safe not only at school, in the playground, and at home but online too. RELATED: Online Gaming Playdates Are a Perfect Window Into How Our Kids Handle Conflict. }); The private message and comment features also allow potential predators to connect with your child while posing as a younger kid. This way, they can have fun creating, socializing, and connecting. However, while TikTok is fun, the same elements that make TikTok a digital playground for kids also pose some serious security issues. One of the unique dangers of TikTok is how easily it allows users to create and share visual content. 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. (However, the company does surveil users of the app in China.). In her free time, she enjoys traveling within the states to kayak, camp, and hike. Mental incapability in comprehending negative comments and cyber-stalking are horrific things that could affect your child's state of mind. Toggle the switch for Private Account. Get your own TikTok account and educate yourself. But as kids have been continuing to hit download, parents are still wondering if it's safe. She is 10 years old. So, your child could come across swearing, scantily clad adults, and suggestive dancing.. Children can contactChildlineany time to get support themselves. Learn more. Or an anxious 10-year-old who wants to send videos to his friends? The answer is: probably not. 2. I'm thrilled you're here and hope you find everything you're looking for! ParentsWonder.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. TikTok is intended for 13+ users according to the app's community guidelines. Is TikTok Safe for Kids? Here's What Parents Should Know Not to mention anonymous users sending inappropriate messages. You are now subscribed to the Children's Health Family Newsletter. 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. How old should you be to use Discord? Is TikTok safe for 11-year-olds? What you need to know Is Snapchat safe for preteens and teens? Offer to help film videos for them. Children under 13 can only view videos deemed child safe and clean by TikToks team. As long as someone knows your TikTok username, they can tag you in other videos or mention you in comments. Best answer: TikTok can be safe for kids 13 years and older. Social Media. 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. 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. Technically, kids under 13 cant sign up for a regular TikTok account because it violates COPPA. The anxiety, social pressure and insecurity our children are feeling is only amplified by apps such as TikTok. TikTok is also a great way to connect with friends and other people with similar interests, making it easy to share videos back and forth. "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. Currently, a video-sharing app called TikTok is one of the most prevalent, especially among teens. According to the TikTok policy, the user must be at least 13 years old to use the app's full features. Social media apps are known for harmful effects on mental health, like increased depression and anxiety, according to researchers. Before diving into TikTok, consider who you want accessing your videos and profile. 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? They did this to comply with COPPA or the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. Is TikTok Safe for Kids? - Parents 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. 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. Blocking and reporting content on TikTok doesnt just keep the app a safer place for your child, but other children using it, too. Should I be concerned about TikTok's security? That takes you to the Discoverability page. TikTok does not verify your child's age when they sign up for an account. Offer to hold the camera or turn it around to do a selfie duet. Is TikTok safe for 9 year olds? - Weyk Global Mom Warns That Her 7-Year-Old's Avatar Was Sexually Assaulted on an Online Game. 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). First, you'll need to find the mentions and tags settings. All rights reserved. Learn more about Amazon Lockers. "And many chase after that popularity by taking part in challenges, which can often be dangerous. 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. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. TikTok created a Younger Users experience for kids under 13 who want to explore the social media site with less risk. The second user can then lip-synch along with the first person, either swapping back and forth or in a split screen. But if you're worried about what exactly your kids are getting, you're not alone. With her children in tow, she studies Obstetric Sonography and has made a career creating content about motherhood. Those under 16 don't have access to direct messages. If you're only enabling this on your kid's phone, choose a passcode to lock the setting. Poppy Playtime: Is This Popular Horror Game Safe for Kids? TikTok introduced the Family Pairing mode in 2022, which lets parents link their account to their kid's account. Ask them to show you their favorite videos. Is TikTok Safe for Kids? 10 Things You Must Know - Hacked.com For instance, proof of identity is required when verifying users applying for a Pro Account. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Is TikTok Safe for Kids? They also illegally stored minors' data. "This is the largest civil penalty in a children's privacy case in history," Jordan says. 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. 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. And TikTok addiction has negative downstream effects as well. Is Tiktok Safe for 10-Year-Olds? While most content on TikTok is out there for the world to see, direct messages aren't so clear and visible. On TikTok, you can react to other videos by either inserting yourself into their videos or using their videos in your own. Here are some tips to set up your own account: Now, youve got your TikTok account. "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). These videos can be grouped by hashtags, which often correspond to challenges, memes, or current events (like #pandemiclife). They also have restricted access to direct messages and livestreaming. While waiting for this feature to launch in America, you can take the following measures to keep your kid safe. The good news is caring about internet safety comes with age and experience. 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!" It offers kids an endless stream of entertaining video, whether it involves dancing, cooking or pranks. Toggle mobile navigation and focus the search field, Preparing for Your Visit or Stay at Children's, Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills. These questions should be out of legitimate interest and not to pry into your child's privacy unless, of course, you have reason for concern. Users can create and upload their own videos, many of which feature people lip-synching to popular songs. 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. Plus, as with any social media, we enjoy the attention we get from likes, follows, and video shares. Children of all ages utilize the platform for entertainment and communication and to gain a social following. Is TikTok Safe for Kids? - Children's Health Ask your child to give you a demo of the app or show you their favourite account. 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. Kids use TikTok as a way to connect with their friends and have some creative self-expression. Fortunately there are several features buried in your TikTok settings to help you moderate your comments and eliminate spam and hateful comments. Two-step verification is an added layer of security thats beneficial to your child if someone else gets ahold of their password. These applications take extensive safety and privacy measures to safely allow kids to explore the online world. According to Jordan,. All rights reserved. The Federal Trade Commission fined TikTok $5.7 million for violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Users between the age of 13 and 15 have their account set to private by default, which prohibits them from private messaging and only allows friends to comment on their videos. 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.