Social media is a double-edged sword, and you need to make sure they're ready. Less data is collected from TikToks Younger Users compared to users aged 13 and above. Best answer: TikTok can be safe for kids 13 years and older. The app is broken into two main feed sections. If you feel your child has posted something inappropriate or is not using TikTok safely, it's okay to remove their access to the app or, if necessary, switch out their smartphone for a simple flip phone. Hi, I'm Ashley Potter. While most content on TikTok is out there for the world to see, direct messages aren't so clear and visible. In her free time, she enjoys traveling within the states to kayak, camp, and hike. They also failed to notify parents of exactly how they collected children's data or allow them to ask to have that data deleted.". What if my kid wants to get famous 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. The more likes, followers, or comments a video gets, the more validation your teen feels they are receiving. However, entering a fake birthday will bypass the restriction. It specializes in video creation and streaming and allows users to record, edit and share short-form videos (either 15 seconds, one minute, or three minutes long). A recent report by Ofcom highlighted that over half of 3-17-year-olds are using TikTok. Call us on0808 800 5000or contact us online. Only users over the age of 16 can record live videos or use the private messaging feature. If they want to change their age, they will have to contact customer service and provide proof of their age at that point. This blocks mature content, but even with the filter on, kids using the app on their own might come across age-inappropriate videos. Parents can also disable their kid's search functionality and prevent other users from seeing which videos their kid has liked. "This is the largest civil penalty in a children's privacy case in history," Jordan says. I'm the mom of a beautiful girl and identical twin boys. TikTok's official age requirement is 13 years old. To find these settings, go to the homepage and find the Profile icon in the bottom right corner. Choosing to monitor your child on social media can be a difficult decision, but doing whats best for their safety is the priority. Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. 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. If you enable the profile views setting on TikTok, other people will be able to see when you check out their profile. They arent allowed to comment, post videos, or search for users and tags. Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Poppy Playtime: Is This Popular Horror Game Safe for Kids? Sometimes they're spontaneous, but sometimes they're planned out by brands, musical artists, or influencers for marketing purposes. How Do I Protect My Young Child from Cyberbullying? The private message and comment features also allow potential predators to connect with your child while posing as a younger kid. You can create an account yourself to learn about what controls exist and how the app works. "As part of our commitment to safety, the wellbeing of our users is incredibly important to us. 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. Learn why kids participate in viral social media challenges and how you can help them make responsible decisions. On TikTok, you can react to other videos by either inserting yourself into their videos or using their videos in your own. "Clicking on those dots will take you to the 'Privacy and settings section of the app," she explains. Is TikTok Safe For Kids and Teens? Enable These Privacy Settings - CNET Children are more protected through TikToks Under 13 version and parental account features. loadService(); Toggle the switch for Private Account. You can also browse and interact with other users' content, which covers a wide range of topics, songs, and styles. In the meantime, however, you can begin educating them about internet safety and online privacy. 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? Fellowship and Subspecialty Training Programs, Child Life and Music Therapy Training Opportunities, Pediatric Clinical Trials & Experimental Medication, Resources for Transgender Youth and Their Families. )For many users, widespread exposure is the attraction of TikTok. Talk to your child about the app's potential dangers, such as meeting random strangers or posting content they may regret. Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More, Growing Up Queer: Thoughtful Books About LGBTQ+ Youth, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews. 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. Parents want to keep their kids safe not only at school, in the playground, and at home but online too. Learn more about viral internet stunts and how to talk to your kid about them. Learn more. People can also create multiple accounts, using aliases to target others they don't like. How safe is TikTok? "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. Is TikTok Safe for Kids? - Children's Health No, TikTok isn't safe for young users, but no social media platform is. 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. No place on the internet is entirely safe for kids, including the TikTok app. Using the platform can potentially expose children to predators, mature content, bullying, and data breaches. Here are some tips to set up your own account: Now, youve got your TikTok account. Users include those with non-gaming interests like anime, TV series, music, and more. behavior, communication, safety, self-esteem, social media, social skills. While it may seem like TikTok came out of nowhere, the app actually began in 2014 as a lip-synching site called Musical.ly. Then tap Family Pairing and sync your account with your kid's via the QR code. Youll need a TikTok account and your teens phone to complete this process from start to finish. However, exposure to age-inappropriate material can still occur, and parental supervision is recommended. The most popular social media apps are always changing, and it can be a challenge for parents to keep up. However, you should still review the settings to ensure they've been set up correctly. However, TikTok knows that younger kids will find ways to sign up anyway, such as by using false birthdates. For younger children, parents can turn on parental controls so they can restrict what content children can view. They care little about age, circumstance, or the well-being of others. 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. 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. Keep an open and honest discussion about theirand yourdigital literacy and footprint.". Parents' Ultimate Guide to Instagram - Common Sense Media: Age-Based Your information is safe and you can easily unsubscribe at any time. Online safety activities to do with your child. 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. And TikTok addiction has negative downstream effects as well. Is TikTok safe for 11 year olds? 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. The ways that creators dance or dress may not be appropriate for all kids, either. Not only are these videos potentially disturbing to viewers who see them in passing, but reactions to posts might encourage self-harm. 8 Best Apps for Keeping Tabs on Your Kids. Charley is a mother of three with a passion for raising good humans. The app is designed for adults, and there are a lot of other good social media apps designed specifically for younger users, like PopJam. They also have restricted access to direct messages and livestreaming. 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. Is TikTok Safe for 10-Year-Olds? Understand the Dangers 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. The presence of cyberbullies, predators, and inappropriate content makes the platform a dangerous place. VPNoverview.com Internet Safety Kids Online The Ultimate Guide to TikTok: Is TikTok Safe for Kids? Is my 10-year-old too young for TikTok? | Stuff.co.nz Then select "Digital Wellbeing" next to the icon of an umbrella. Recommended Video Proud to be ranked in all 10 pediatric specialties the last five years. There are also several tutorial videos that can help kids learn how to use tiktok. Is TikTok Safe for Kids? With 3 billion downloads to date, TikTok is currently the hottest social media site for tweens and teens. 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. Social Media. This allows full access to mature content such as sexually explicit themes, drug-related activities, and violence. Should a 10 year old child be using Tik Tok why or why not? Technically, kids under 13 cant sign up for a regular TikTok account because it violates COPPA. TikTok allows creators to access popular songs to edit their videos, some of which contain harsh curse words and sexual language. They won't be able to publish the video without selecting who will be allowed to see it. Social media influencers, celebrities, and brands now also have TikTok and fans can get noticed by their favorite stars if they interact with a video. In general, there are better social media alternatives for 10-year-olds. Powerful Stories About Martin Luther King Jr. How can you make your TikTok account private? However, the lack of these features makes it unappealing for most kids. Yes, tiktok is easy to use for year olds. Other tools that offer parental controls and monitoring services include Secure Teen and Norton Family Premier. In order to bypass the age restriction, all your child has to do is enter a false birth year. To find your comment settings, go toProfile>three-dash menu>Settings and privacy>Privacy > Comments. These options range from using a limited version of the app to just keeping an eye on the content their children are consuming. Extensively tested by our experts. For the most secure experience, we recommend turning these features off. 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). The minimum age for TikTok users is 13 years old. As parents who havent always had unimpeded access to this technology, it can be difficult to navigate changing societal standards. Discord requires that users be at least 13 years old, although they do not verify users' age upon signup. Luckily, it's easy to find everyone who has looked at your profile. RELATED: The Parents Guide to Getting Their First Phoneand Teaching Them to Be Good Digital Citizens, Jordan encourages parents to have open, honest, and ongoing conversations about what's happening in this digital space, noting, "If your child uses the app and you have not yet sat down with them to look at it together, that would be a great first step.". 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.". 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. (Accounts for people under 16 are automatically set to private. * This data is collected with additional user permission or under specific circumstances. TikTok is intended for 13+ users according to the app's community guidelines. You'll now be able to see everyone who's viewed your profile in the last 30 days. However, there is a way to help prevent that from happening to you. TikTok is required to comply with the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which limits what data companies can collect about kids under 13. Two-step verification is an added layer of security thats beneficial to your child if someone else gets ahold of their password. The presence of cyberbullies, predators, and inappropriate content makes the platform a dangerous place. "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. There is nothing to stop predators from grooming kids. But dont worry, you can keep your kids safe on TikTokby understanding the risks and then talking to your teen about your concerns. Is TikTok safe for 10 year olds? - YouTube 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. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age. 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. 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. The nature of the app might cause kids anxiety. and they're extremely easy to circumvent. Is Tiktok Safe for 12 Year Olds? - HugATeen.com According to the TikTok policy, the user must be at least 13 years old to use the app's full features. As long as someone knows your TikTok username, they can tag you in other videos or mention you in comments. Is TikTok Safe for Kids? - Parents "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. Have an open dialogue about the app and internet safety practices. Mom Warns That Her 7-Year-Old's Avatar Was Sexually Assaulted on an Online Game. TikTok account is set to the public by default, allowing everyone to sneak peek at what your child is posting. Privacy / 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. Even though the Younger Users version of TikTok filters out mature content, its still likely that inappropriate content will make its way through. Children can easily bypass privacy measures if not supervised by an adult. Teens are often more impulsive and more likely to do things online that they wouldnt normally do, especially when it comes to peer approval. These applications take extensive safety and privacy measures to safely allow kids to explore the online world. Because TikTok uses algorithms to show users new content, its easy for young people to come across inappropriate or upsetting videos. It offers kids an endless stream of entertaining video, whether it involves dancing, cooking or pranks. Chances are they wont. Disable all of the settings to stop your account from being suggested at all, which will make it harder to find. Hence, your 10-year old's obsession with the TikTok app is probably one of the things you're scratching your head about. 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. She has an educational background in journalism and has worked in content marketing across several industries, including finance and cybersecurity. This feature requires access to your childs account through their personal device to set up. 2022 Children's Health. Is TikTok safe for 11-year-olds? What you need to know Once logged in, you can find videos by searching for popular creators, categories (like comedy, animals, sports), and hashtags. Best Apps for Kids Ages 9-12. 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. 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 How old should you be to use Discord? 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. For kids age 13 to 15, accounts are private by default. 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. 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. Age is just one factor. Under Digital Wellbeing, youll also see Restricted Mode. Each of these parental controls requires a passcode. Is TikTok inappropriate for kids under 10 years old? 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. 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. TikTok shares many of the same dangers as the wider Internet. Parents can pair their childs account to their own through TikToks Family Pairing mode. 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. New safety features were introduced as of August 2021. 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!" A Comprehensive Guide for Parents. Is Snapchat Safe for Kids? - Parents Guides and resources for parents. TikTok is no exception. 4 Conversations to Have with Older Kids and Teens About Their Screen Time Habits. 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. TikTok offers Restricted Mode, which was designed to filter mature content for young users. If it sounds like TikTok is fertile ground for a lot of fun and a good deal of trouble, that's because it is. While in the TikTok app and from your child's profile, you'll see three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen, Jordan notes. On both phones, tap the three dots next to the user profile. For instance, proof of identity is required when verifying users applying for a Pro Account. Comments on any social media service can quickly turn hostile, and TikTok is no exception. Parents can manage screen time, restrict content, and limit direct messages or turn off the feature completely. Ask your child to give you a demo of the app or show you their favourite account. 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):