However, a limited version of the app is available to those who dont meet the age requirement. 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. Currently, a video-sharing app called TikTok is one of the most prevalent, especially among teens. TikToks terms and conditions state that all users must be at least 13 years of age to access the full application. Weve put together a comprehensive guide to help you determine the best course of action for your childs TikTok use. TikTok is no exception to this trend. 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. A recent report by Ofcom highlighted that over half of 3-17-year-olds are using TikTok. However, the Under 13 function of TikTok is safe for children who dont meet the age requirements. Previously, TikTok was criticized for not removing accounts that made sexually explicit comments on the accounts of children, posing a serious safety risk for kids on TikTok. "The law requires companies to obtain parental consent to collect the data of kids under 13, and TikTok did not do so. Parents' Ultimate Guide to Snapchat | Common Sense Media 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'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): However, exposure to age-inappropriate material can still occur, and parental supervision is recommended. "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. Kids use TikTok as a way to connect with their friends and have some creative self-expression. Those under 16 don't have access to direct messages. Comments on any social media service can quickly turn hostile, and TikTok is no exception. To find these settings, go to the homepage and find the Profile icon in the bottom right corner. 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. This opens the door for dangerous dialogue with strangers. Every parent has to decide at what age it is safe for their child to access the Internet. The anxiety, social pressure and insecurity our children are feeling is only amplified by apps such as TikTok. I'm thrilled you're here and hope you find everything you're looking for! Is TikTok Safe for 8-Year-Olds? Know the Risks & Dangers 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. }); 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. Should a 10 year old child be using Tik Tok why or why not? 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. TikTok is required to comply with the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which limits what data companies can collect about kids under 13. Is Omegle Safe for Kids? 7 Safety Concerns for Parents Is TikTok safe for 9 year olds? - Weyk Global A video tells others what they look like, their age, sometimes where they live and other personal information. But dont worry, you can keep your kids safe on TikTokby understanding the risks and then talking to your teen about your concerns. 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. Take, for example, the Cinnamon Challenge, the Choking Game, and the Kiki Challenge. They also illegally stored minors' data. 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. Registered charity in England and Wales (216401), Scotland (SC037717) and Jersey (384). 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? They may use these features to build trust with your child, which could lead to physical danger. There are several social media platforms designed specifically for children. Laura Bedrossian, vice president, social strategy, at integrated marketing communications agency Hot Paper Lantern, reminds parents that knowledge is power. Like any social media app, TikTok can pose some risks to children and teens. They arent allowed to comment, post videos, or search for users and tags. The solution is hands-on parenting. Find out about different social media platforms and how to help children stay safe when using them. In 2021, the Irish Data Protection Commission investigated TikTok for its user data collection methods. Is Tiktok Safe for 10-Year-Olds? - DIY Security Tips 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 most popular social media apps are always changing, and it can be a challenge for parents to keep up. 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. Is TikTok Safe For Kids and Teens? "As part of our commitment to safety, the wellbeing of our users is incredibly important to us. Guides and resources for parents. whole duty of mankind ministry on TikTok "Kids who admit to depression are often met with dismissive and sarcastic reactions," she says. They want to be part of something cool, even if it turns out to be dangerous. For younger children, parents can turn on parental controls so they can restrict what content children can view. 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. Your child's safety is the most important thing. This desire to feel included is why teens often participate in challenges online. No, TikTok isn't safe for young users, but no social media platform is. "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.". On both phones, tap the three dots next to the user profile. By default, anyone who stumbles across your video on TikTok can download it using the site's built-in video download feature. To report hateful, violent or other prohibited content on TikTok: You can report TikTok accounts, videos, comments and other improper behavior. Learn more about TikTok for Younger Users in our resource here. 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. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? The app is broken into two main feed sections. 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. 7 Safety Concerns for Parents, What Parents Need to Know About the Metaverse, Is Roblox Safe for Kids? 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. However, there is a way to help prevent that from happening to you. This way, they can have fun creating, socializing, and connecting. For instance, proof of identity is required when verifying users applying for a Pro Account. Read Common Sense Media's full review of TikTok, and learn more about this popular platform. Is Tiktok Safe for 10-Year-Olds? Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Here are some of our favourite internet safety resources to help you learn more about e-safety for 6-10 year-olds and pass on the message to them. 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. Parents should regularly check the app to ensure the controls are still in place. Below, we provide general pointers on how to keep kids safe on TikTok. Users under age 16 who are trying to publish their first video will get a pop-up message to help them better understand their privacy options. Extensively tested by our experts. Are tiktok videos safe? They may also become obsessed with likes and virtual approval, which isn't healthy for their emotional well-being. 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. However, the lack of these features makes it unappealing for most kids. Is TikTok Safe For Kids? Here's What Parents Need To Know - Moms Children can contactChildlineany time to get support themselves. You can create an account yourself to learn about what controls exist and how the app works. Keep in mind that even older teenagers are still developing self-regulation, so they still could post things on TikTok they later regret. And of course, there's always the chance that a clip can go viral. also familiarize yourself with TikToks security settings to make sure those settings are as optimized as possible. 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. Only users age 16 and over can livestream and use direct messaging, and only users over 18 can buy, send, or receive virtual gifts. 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. The good news is caring about internet safety comes with age and experience. Restricted Mode. 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 Or an anxious 10-year-old who wants to send videos to his friends? The answer is: probably not. Block someone's account so they can't see your profile, send you messages and more. Parents and caregivers can also use Restricted Mode to reduce mature content, or Family Safety Mode to pair their account with their kid's account to control settings completely. He was sent to live with Noah and his son Shem, and he remained with them to . In this section, kids can only see curated, clean videos, and aren't allowed to comment, search, or post their own videos. Social Media. First, connecting your account to your childs account using the feature Family Pairing gives you the ability to control some privacy settings. Spotlight: This is another TikTok-like feature that collects snaps submitted by users into one giant feed. "Clicking on those dots will take you to the 'Privacy and settings section of the app," she explains. Parents can manage this by encouraging and modeling safe behavior, and putting limits on the type of information that kids share. It's not all fun, games, and lip-sync videos, after all. Privacy / 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. Is Tiktok Safe for 12 Year Olds? - HugATeen.com Nelson Aguilar is an LA-based tech how-to writer and graduate of UCLA. "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. Its human nature that we directly correlate popularity to value. 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 default is referred to as "For You," which is an algorithmically generated stream of videos similar to Instagram's Explore page, Wired explains. "Some are even publicly encouraged to attempt suicide.". If you're only enabling this on your kid's phone, choose a passcode to lock the setting. As parents who havent always had unimpeded access to this technology, it can be difficult to navigate changing societal standards. Online safety activities to do with your child. But as kids have been continuing to hit download, parents are still wondering if it's safe. What Parents Need To Know About the Gas App. TikTokis thesecond-most popular social media site among American teenagers-- and for obvious reasons. TikTok users under the age of 13 count as Younger Users.. 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. Parents' Ultimate Guide to TikTok | Common Sense Media Of course, another important aspect of keeping kids safe is ensuring that the apps security tools are being used correctly by optimizing TikToks security settings. Once logged in, you can find videos by searching for popular creators, categories (like comedy, animals, sports), and hashtags. These things might be harder for them to share with you directly because theyre embarrassed or scared. Before diving into TikTok, consider who you want accessing your videos and profile. Parents' Ultimate Guide to Instagram - Common Sense Media: Age-Based The minimum age for TikTok users is 13 years old. 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). This is a pain that won't go away.. Technically, kids under 13 cant sign up for a regular TikTok account because it violates COPPA. The features under discoverability have to do with how people can find you (or how you find them) on TikTok. Then, make sure you have your kid's phone and their TikTok login handy. In an effort to address these concerns, they created Younger Users. The Duet feature lets you create a reaction split-screen video, combining half of your video with half of someone's else's video to create a single reaction video. So, what is it exactly that kids and teens love about TikTok? Users include those with non-gaming interests like anime, TV series, music, and more. Is TikTok Safe For Kids and Teens? Enable These Privacy Settings - CNET 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. 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. On TikTok, you can react to other videos by either inserting yourself into their videos or using their videos in your own. TikTok was the most downloaded social media app in the world in 2020. Users can browse different videos on TikTok via a personalised feed known as the For You Page. TikTok is a free social media platform that lets you create, share and watch short clips. How safe is TikTok? Kids may not realize that when they put a video out, they are telling people on the Internet things about themselves. Parents have several options when it comes to monitoring their childrens accounts. 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). Parents can manage screen time, restrict content, and limit direct messages or turn off the feature completely. When Abram came out from the cave, he was 10 years old. Below, we discuss in detail the various dangers your child might encounter if they join TikTok. This offers a passcode-enabled screen time management system, as well as a restricted mode to limit the appearance of inappropriate content. This ensures that children cant change the parental controls settings once they are set. Even older children, who may be aware of general privacy risks, may act too impulsively when posting videos that could affect their future. One of the unique dangers of TikTok is how easily it allows users to create and share visual content. A Comprehensive Guide for Parents. The ways that creators dance or dress may not be appropriate for all kids, either. However, you should still review the settings to ensure theyve been set up correctly. 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. This "Family Safety Mode" lets parents link to their teenager's TikTok account and control "Digital Wellbeing features," according to an article published by TikTok. You can provide a buffer between kids and iffy content by watching with your kids and making videos together. Online safety advice for 6-10 year olds | Internet Matters Children of all ages utilize the platform for entertainment and communication and to gain a social following. Alternatively, you could allow them to keep using the app through the Family Pairing feature (which we talk about below). Many kids on TikTok like to create videos, but plenty of people don't post themselvesthey just use the app to find and follow content creators. Talk to your kids about TikTok and your concerns like the dangers of having a public profile or talking to strangers. Common Sense Media. TikTok offers Restricted Mode, which was designed to filter mature content for young users. 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. It offers kids an endless stream of entertaining video, whether it involves dancing, cooking or pranks. TikTok shares many of the same dangers as the wider Internet. RELATED: Online Gaming Playdates Are a Perfect Window Into How Our Kids Handle Conflict. Talk to your child about the app's potential dangers, such as meeting random strangers or posting content they may regret. She has an educational background in journalism and has worked in content marketing across several industries, including finance and cybersecurity. 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. Not only are these videos potentially disturbing to viewers who see them in passing, but reactions to posts might encourage self-harm. The next sections of this article then go over TikToks security features and settings to help users understand the app better. 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. According to Jordan,. How old should you be to use Discord? TikTok for Under 13 If you decide to let your child use TikTok before they turn 13, you need to know the risks. 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. On the contrary, the FixAppRatings movement suggests that the kid must be over the age of 17 to use TikTok. Because TikTok uses algorithms to show users new content, its easy for young people to come across inappropriate or upsetting videos. Should I Let My 11-Year Old Kid Use Tiktok? - @Famisafe 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. Look out for things like graphic content and sexually explicit comments. The nature of social media is risky because anyone could have access to your child or their information through some means. That's why TikTok has started implementing parental controls on the app (although these controls aren't yet available in the U.S.), RELATED: Life Skills to Teach Your Child by Age 10, TikTok allows users to contact anyone in the world, and this comes with its own host of hazards. 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. yes it is probably a little inappropriate but it learns what you like and will mostly be showing them kid stuff. From there, select the features you want to enable: Screen Time Management. Is TikTok safe for 11 year olds? 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. You'll now be able to see everyone who's viewed your profile in the last 30 days. The presence of cyberbullies, predators, and inappropriate content makes the platform a dangerous place. In short, people love TikTok because its easy to use while still being personalized to their tastes. "TikTok is a platform that encourages performance, and many of its users are excited to showcase their talents. Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help. 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. Each of these parental controls requires a passcode. For its younger users, TikTok collects less data (though it still captures registration details including name, birth date, username, and password). This is my place to share my journey. Toggle the switch for Private Account. 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. This is a great time to be the training wheels for your kid as they learn to use . (The app is currently working to be able to monitor TikTok on iOS.) 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. The nature of social media is risky because anyone could have access to your child or their information through some means. TikTok is a social network for sharing user-generated videos, mostly of people lip-synching to popular songs. Terms of use / If you enable the profile views setting on TikTok, other people will be able to see when you check out their profile. Choosing to monitor your child on social media can be a difficult decision, but doing whats best for their safety is the priority. 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. ", Not unlike Twitter or Facebook, TikTok might lead to cyberbullying and trolling. 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. Learn about the dangers of TikTok and how to keep your child safe by reading our article here. 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. While this doesnt eliminate security risks or mental health safety, its a great place to start. Just because you have an account does not mean you need to follow your child's account, but at least it can give you the knowledge and experience with the app to help your child set it up safely. Is TikTok safe for 11-year-olds? What you need to know You are now subscribed to the Children's Health Family Newsletter. 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. However, entering a fake birthday will bypass the restriction. Use these settings to manage it. No place on the internet is entirely safe for kids, including the TikTok app. If you select the "only me" option for the following list, other users will still be able to see your mutual friends. "It provides fodder for bullies to make fun of them. They just want to watch funny videos on their phone. 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. 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. 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. The app also lets you share videos by email, text, or other social media apps, where you can better control who sees it. And it requires that all users under age 18 obtain parental. 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. 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. Even though the app makers recommend that all users be older than 13, that doesn't automatically mean your teenager is ready for TikTok. second-most popular social media site among American teenagers, protecting young users from inappropriate videos, TikTok sharing private user data with China, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. With social media platforms like TikTok gaining popularity, there are valid concerns for the parents of older children. It's true that users must be over 18 without parental permission, but reality is that children don't always follow these rules. New safety features were introduced as of August 2021. Chances are they wont. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). 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. However, being active in the digital world means that your child is always accessible to some extent. Using the platform can potentially expose children to predators, mature content, bullying, and data breaches. Is TikTok Safe for Kids? Here's What Parents Should Know Lock the setting with a passcode. Ask them to show you their favorite videos.