TIKTOK IS WORSE THAN YOU THOUGHT: 7 STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR KIDS ON TIKTOK
TikTok has undeniably become a sensation among teenagers and young adults, captivating them with its addictive short-form videos and creative challenges. However, as with any social media platform, there are associated risks that parents need to be aware of to safeguard their children.
After reviewing the app, we have concluded that you have valid reasons to be worried. However, do not stop being worried; we have identified practical steps to protect your kids on TikTok. First, let’s begin with the possible risks kids are exposed to on the TikTok app.
The potential risks TikTok poses for kids
While TikTok offers entertainment and connection, it also presents potential risks, especially for its younger users. From privacy concerns to psychological impacts, parents need to be aware of these potential risks and take steps to mitigate them.
- Privacy Concerns
One of the most significant risks associated with TikTok is the potential compromise of user privacy. The platform encourages users to share personal information and videos with a vast audience, often forgetting that these posts are accessible by anyone unless privacy settings are adjusted accordingly. Geo-tags and location-sharing features can inadvertently expose users to potential risks, including stalking, bullying, and unwanted attention.
- Cyberbullying and harassment
Remember the schoolyard bullies? They’ve evolved, and now they can be found behind screens, masked by anonymity. TikTok opens the door for cyberbullying to flourish, as comments and duets can quickly turn into hurtful words and actions. Kids, who are particularly sensitive to social validation, might find themselves entangled in this online rave, causing real emotional harm.
- Exposure to inappropriate content
TikTok’s algorithm-driven content delivery can sometimes expose teens to inappropriate or explicit content. While the platform has made efforts to filter out such content, it’s not foolproof. Younger users may come across videos unsuitable for their age or maturity level.
- Digital addiction
Studies have shown that TikTok usage is affecting the sleep patterns of about one in four girls on a daily basis. Another study from China has concluded that excessive TikTok usage can be detrimental to children, with 5.9% experiencing significant problematic use. The addictive nature of social media platforms is well-documented, and TikTok is no exception. Its short video format and endless scroll of content can cause teenagers to lose track of time while using the app. Overuse of social media has been linked to sleep disturbances, lower academic performance, and negative impacts on mental health.
- Online impersonation and identity theft
The digital world has its share of malicious actors who engage in online impersonation or identity theft. Teenagers, with their limited understanding of cybersecurity, might inadvertently share personal information or engage with fake accounts, putting themselves at risk of identity theft or fraud.
So, how do you keep your kids safe on the platform?
7 STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR KIDS ON TIKTOK
- Talk to your child about the seeming dangers and how to stay safe.
The first thing we always say to parents seeking advice on issues like this is ‘Communication.’ Engage in a friendly but educative dialogue with your child, letting them know about the possible dangers and risks associated with the app and the internet as a whole. Let them know you are always there to protect them, and they shouldn’t hesitate to report any form of abuse experienced on the app.
- Take control of the app settings.
The app allows you to change specific age-related and privacy settings right from your child’s phone. While also giving you the option to lock these changed settings with a passcode to prevent your child from going there and turning it back to their preferred settings.
With this, you can limit screen time, prevent strangers from relating or communicating with your child through the app, and block your child from seeing inappropriate content.
- Get on the app!
Using the TikTok app as a parent has numerous advantages beyond experiencing the fun and thrills of keeping your child all giddy. Trust me; you would also find the app as exciting as your child, maybe even more. But this should not be about the fun and excitement alone; it should be about keeping them safe while also having fun.
Having a TikTok account will enable you to understand how the app works and know what it is all about. This means you can protect your younger ones better and with the right knowledge.
Advantages of having the app
- You can make use of the parental control feature on the app to limit your child’s screen time, change privacy settings, and prevent your child from viewing explicit and age-restricted contents.
- Having the app will help you control what they post by censoring or joining them to make content. Of course, kids will not be comfortable engaging in improper acts with parental supervision
- The Family pairing feature keeps your TikTok account connected to your child’s.
- Understand and set appropriate content settings.
TikTok provides content filtering options, allowing you to control the videos your child sees on their “For You” page. These settings can help limit exposure to inappropriate or sensitive content. To set content preferences:
- Access settings from the profile page.
- Go to “Content Preferences” > “Restricted Mode.”
- Choose an appropriate level of content filtering based on your child’s age.
- Be conscious of how long they spend online.
At the start of 2023, TikTok announced the introduction of a 60-minute daily screen limit for kids and teenagers under the age of 18. With this feature, a child gets cut off from accessing content on the platform once they reach the limit. However, it also allows parents to input a password for an additional 30 minutes. While this move is commendable, it is still essential that you emphasize screen-time management offline. Some kids can be so crafty as to get an alternate account without any parental control feature.
So, while it is advised that you implement the parental control feature of the app, it is also essential to remain conscious of their usage of the app.
- Initiate “Family Pairing”
TikTok’s “Family Pairing” feature is a set of parental controls designed to help parents and guardians manage and guide their children’s experience on the platform.
The Family Pairing feature allows parents to link their TikTok accounts with their child’s account, providing them with some level of control and oversight. Here’s a general overview of how the feature works:
1. Account Linking: Parents have the option to link their TikTok accounts to their child’s account. This linking enables parents to access specific controls and settings, giving them a better understanding of their child’s activity on the app.
2. Screen Time Management: Parents can set time limits on their child’s TikTok usage. Once the predetermined time limit is reached, the child will receive a notification and be restricted from using the app for the remainder of the 24-hour period. This feature helps promote healthy screen time habits.
3. Restricted Content: To protect children from potentially inappropriate content, parents can apply a restricted mode. This mode filters out content that may not be suitable for younger users. Kindly note that the effectiveness of this mode may vary.
4. Direct Messages: Parents can manage who is able to send direct messages to their child’s TikTok account. By limiting communication to friends only, parents can ensure a safer and more controlled environment for their child.
5. Discoverability: Parents can control who is able to find their child’s TikTok account through search. This feature allows parents to limit the visibility of their child’s account to just friends or make it completely private.
6. Privacy Settings: Parents can adjust the privacy settings of their child’s TikTok account. This includes controlling who can comment on their child’s videos and who can duet with them. These settings enable parents to protect their child’s digital identity and prevent unwanted interactions.
7. Account Deactivation: Parents have the option to request the deactivation of their child’s TikTok account if they feel it is necessary. This feature provides an added layer of control for parents concerned about their child’s online activity.
To get started with the ‘” family Pairing” mode
STEP1: Go to “Settings and Privacy,” scroll down to “Family Pairing,” and enter
STEP2: Select “Parent” on your own device, but on your kids’ device, you select “Teen.”
STEP 3: Using your child’s phone, scan the QR code showing on your device.
Then you’re all set.
- Know who they relate with on TikTok.
You must know who messages your child, the content of their message, and what they request. There are predators who may want to exploit the innocent and naive minds of young people on TikTok, so make efforts to prevent your child from being a victim. In doing this, do not get annoyingly intrusive.
In summary
TikTok can be a fun and creative platform for children, but it has its share of risks. As a parent or guardian, it is your responsibility to ensure your child’s safety while using the app. By understanding the platform, setting age-appropriate restrictions, using privacy settings, and maintaining open communication, you can effectively protect your kids on TikTok and foster a positive and secure online experience.