This desire to feel included is why teens often participate in challenges online. Children are more protected through TikToks Under 13 version and parental account features. Parents can also disable their kid's search functionality and prevent other users from seeing which videos their kid has liked. They may use these features to build trust with your child, which could lead to physical danger. This doesnt mean you spy on their activity every day, but that you spot-check activity regularly to look for red flags. In general, there are better social media alternatives for 10-year-olds. RELATED: Online Gaming Playdates Are a Perfect Window Into How Our Kids Handle Conflict. Then select "Digital Wellbeing" next to the icon of an umbrella. After all, why would a ten-year-old care about data security? Heres everything you need to know about the popular video-sharing app. also familiarize yourself with TikToks security settings to make sure those settings are as optimized as possible. TikToks Younger Users version is really just an absence of features, not a redesign of the app made for kids. It can also be an easy-to-use group-chatting tool for friends. 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, being active in the digital world means that your child is always accessible to some extent. Abram went to hide in a cave and remain until it was safe (Jasher 8:36). But as kids have been continuing to hit download, parents are still wondering if it's safe. This means that theres a whole range of videos that feature different topics, challenges or ideas. For kids age 13 to 15, accounts are private by default. TikTok's official age requirement is 13 years old. Talk to your child about self control, compassion and empathy. Kids on TikTok often want their videos to be liked, and this makes them vulnerable to safety threats on TikTok, like sexual exploitation. And of course, there's always the chance that a clip can go viral. 2. There are still other ways to download videos from TikTok, especially with third-party services. 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. Social Media. 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. In this section, kids can only see curated, clean videos, and aren't allowed to comment, search, or post their own videos. Currently, a video-sharing app called TikTok is one of the most prevalent, especially among teens. Children can contactChildlineany time to get support themselves. 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. You can also ask about any friends they've met online and what types of videos they share. Common Sense rates Instagram for age 15 and up because of mature content, access to strangers, marketing ploys, and data collection. Turning on this algorithm-based feature changes the appearance of mature or otherwise inappropriate content for younger TikTok users. To make your TikTok account private, go to your profile page and select the three-dot icon in the top-right corner. 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. You can add filters and songs, as well as collaborate with other digital creators. 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. This offers a passcode-enabled screen time management system, as well as a restricted mode to limit the appearance of inappropriate content. Best answer: TikTok can be safe for kids 13 years and older. Call us on0808 800 5000or contact us online. 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. Help for adults concerned about a childCall us on 0808 800 5000, Help for children and young peopleCall Childline on 0800 1111, For supporter, donation and fundraising queries Call us on 020 7825 2505. document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function(event) { : Frequently Asked Questions. Using the platform can potentially expose children to predators, mature content, bullying, and data breaches. Need the fast version? No place on the internet is entirely safe for kids, including the TikTok app. 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 TikTok is a free social media platform that lets you create, share and watch short clips. "Check that your child's TikTok account has been set up using the correct data of birth," advises Jo O'Reilly, digital privacy advocate at ProPrivacy. With social media platforms like TikTok gaining popularity, there are valid concerns for the parents of older children. TikTok is a video-sharing platform where you can watch and create videos, and livestream. Fortunately there are several features buried in your TikTok settings to help you moderate your comments and eliminate spam and hateful comments. TikTok was the most downloaded social media app in the world in 2020. If a video doesn't perform well or generates negative comments, this might lower their self-esteem and/or make them feel lonely. Social media is a double-edged sword, and you need to make sure they're ready. 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. From recipes to song covers, dance challenges, comedy skits, and even pool-cleaning videos whatever your interest is, theres a TikTok video for you. Consider adjusting the following settings: Don't like what's going on in your comment section? ", TikToks in either feed might also feature content that's highly personal or sensitive, Jordan notes. But TikTok's emphasis on popular music means many videos include swearing and sexual lyrics, so it may not be age-appropriate for kids to use on their own. TikTok is intended for 13+ users according to the app's community guidelines. "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. TikTok is also a lot more . Disable all of the settings to stop your account from being suggested at all, which will make it harder to find. They share this data with third parties, like their business partners, service providers, and advertisers, among others. "Even if you set your own account to private, you may still be exposed to sexual or violent content posted to the public feed," she says. First, find the account you want to block and go to their profile. If it sounds like TikTok is fertile ground for a lot of fun and a good deal of trouble, that's because it is. Social media apps are a privilege and not a right for children. No, the full version of TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years of age. In 2021, the Irish Data Protection Commission investigated TikTok for its user data collection methods. 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. TikToks comment and messaging features are home to online harassment, cyberbullying, and predatory messaging. 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. We all know that many kids younger than that are watching and sometimes creating TikToks, so the site suggests that if your younger child wants . If you find someone that you don't want to have access to your profile and videos, you can then block them. Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+, TikTok doesn't necessarily have a perfect record, Help Kids Navigate Viral Social Media Stunts. 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. However, the lack of these features makes it unappealing for most kids. There is nothing to stop predators from grooming kids. However, as the parent, you should have the final decision, even if your child is not pleased with the rules you feel are necessary to keep them safe. For any age child, talk to them about setting their privacy controls as strongly as possible. 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. The nature of the app might cause kids anxiety. This is a pain that won't go away.. On TikTok, you can react to other videos by either inserting yourself into their videos or using their videos in your own. However, exposure to age-inappropriate material can still occur, and parental supervision is recommended. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age. No place on the internet is entirely safe for kids, including the TikTok app. 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. Mental incapability in comprehending negative comments and cyber-stalking are horrific things that could affect your child's state of mind. Is TikTok inappropriate for kids under 10 years old? How old should you be to use Discord? Fight seasonal allergies in kids. These featureshold the key to how your child interacts with others on the platform. TikTok users sign up with a phone number, an email address, or a third-party account such as Facebook and Instagram. Look out for things like graphic content and sexually explicit comments. COPPA limits what data social media apps can collect from kids under 13. To find your comment settings, go toProfile>three-dash menu>Settings and privacy>Privacy > Comments. Ask your teen who they like to follow, what their friends are doing on the app, and stay in touch with whats going on. )For many users, widespread exposure is the attraction of TikTok. * This data is collected with additional user permission or under specific circumstances. It's not all fun, games, and lip-sync videos, after all. Trolling is popular on TikTok, tooespecially through the 'Reactions' feature.". People can also create multiple accounts, using aliases to target others they don't like. She has an educational background in journalism and has worked in content marketing across several industries, including finance and cybersecurity. But you may not want everyone, like bullies or even some family members, to be able to view your TikTok account. TikTok also offers some tools for parents and caregivers to limit how much time kids spend on the app and what kids can see. To set screen time management, go to the Settings and Privacy page and choose Digital Wellbeing. This section is about managing a users experience in terms of screen time and content filters. The nature of social media is risky because anyone could have access to your child or their information through some means. ParentsWonder.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. It's easy to encounter inappropriate content. The app is popular for viral dances and celebrity cameos and is a creative and fun platform for teens to enjoy. Nelson Aguilar March 2, 2023 5:50 a.m. PT 8 min read. To stop your account from being recommended by TikTok: By default, your account is suggested to other people on TikTok. Is TikTok safe for 9 year olds? This ensures that children cant change the parental controls settings once they are set. In short, people love TikTok because its easy to use while still being personalized to their tastes. Parents can manage screen time, restrict content, and limit direct messages or turn off the feature completely. How safe is TikTok? Should I be concerned about TikTok's security? If you don't feel comfortable with other people having your videos saved on their devices, you can disable that feature.