TikTok is one of the most popular social media and entertainment apps nowadays. Everyone is turning to it. Social media The increasing need to keep up with the latest applications is taking the world by storm.
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Young children are quite influenced by these fads and trends that pop up in technology every now and then, and TikTok is one such app that is popular with people of all age groups!
Is your child a big fan of? TikTok Or are you thinking of introducing your little one to the world of TikTok? Well, whatever the scenario, we're here to take a comprehensive look.
In this post, we'll discuss how safe this app is for your child and what precautions and measures you, as a parent, should take to keep your child safe in a world where cybercrime is constantly on the rise. Read on for an inside look at this and more!
What is TikTok and how does it work?
Like many other social networking apps available online, TikTok is one such app that was developed in China.
You can download this app on your Android or iOS device. It was merged with a US-based app called "Musically" in 2018, and since then, it has taken the social media platform by storm. The app is active and available in approximately 150 countries worldwide and in approximately 75 different languages. As a user, you can upload videos ranging in length from 3 to 60 seconds.
What are the features of the TikTok app?
Watch videos
As of 2018, the app had approximately 500 million users worldwide, and that number is constantly growing. This free app allows you to watch, create, and share your videos on the forum from your phone.
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sync
You can simply lip-sync existing content, perform a little dance routine, or do anything you think could go viral. It wouldn't be wrong to say this app is a kind of digital karaoke.
Post videos
You need to sign up for the app if you want to post your videos or other content. Signing up with an email account, Facebook ID, or other social media account also works.
You can either record your own video or use other popular sounds or music to create and upload videos. Even if you don't want to upload anything, you can still view videos posted by other users from around the world.
Like and comment
You can follow, like and comment on other users' videos or posts and the same applies to your profile as well.
Keep your profile private
You also have the option to keep your profile private, where only your friends or approved people will be able to like, share, or comment on any videos you share. However, if you choose a public profile, anyone from anywhere in the world can view, share, or comment on your videos.
TikTok is a fun app that mostly contains entertaining content that both young and old can enjoy. For this reason, the app has become increasingly popular with younger users, but it also consumes much of their precious time. Therefore, it's important for parents to regulate and monitor its use.
At what age can a child be allowed to use TikTok?
Today's children are born into a frenzied social media presence, which is bound to attract younger children as well. Most children spend a significant amount of time on social media.
If you're concerned about the age at which your child should start using the app, TikTok has a policy that allows a 13-year-old to create an account. However, sometimes adult content pops up that you may not have control over, which could put your child at risk of overexposure at an early age, in the case of younger children.
Despite these regulations and threats, there are many teen and pre-teen users on the forum. So, if you're wondering, is TikTok safe for 8-year-olds? Well, if a young child is using the app or watching videos, it's recommended that they be accompanied by an adult.
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Why do parents need to monitor their children while using TikTok?
There's no doubt that TikTok is a fun app that entertains people of all ages and backgrounds. However, it's important to understand that it poses a threat to the growing minds of young people.
Therefore, parents need to be vigilant when it comes to TikTok and kids or in other words when their kids are using the app due to some of the following reasons:
TikTok can be addictive.
If you don't restrict usage, there are chances that your child will develop an addiction to the app. The app has a feature to give the viewer a break after using it for a certain period of time, however, parents need to monitor the same.
Although TikTok has a policy to remove any illegal or objectionable content from the platform, uploads are high and it can take time to remove them from the system. Therefore, you should monitor the type of content your child views.
Children on TikTok may be exposed to cyberbullying.
TikTok is no exception. Children can sometimes be exposed to such unpleasant situations, potentially becoming victims of cyberbullying. Furthermore, some users may mock, harass, or ignore people of different classes, creeds, disabilities, etc., which may be intended to humiliate or harm people.
Such videos can be detrimental to a child's mental health. There have been self-harm videos that can incite fear and make a young mind anxious.
TikTok may display “lonely or depressive” content.
Other types of videos may spread feelings of loneliness, depression, or low self-esteem, which may have any kind of negative impact and feelings in children.
Protecting children on TikTok from irresponsible purchases
There's an in-app purchase feature that allows you to buy gifts for other users. The limit can range anywhere from $5 to $50.
Children may accidentally make such purchases and waste their parents' money. You must be careful to prevent children from making any such purchases.
TikTok Live Feature
The app's live streaming feature sometimes exposes young children to the additional risk of exposure to inappropriate content, although the app ensures that any inappropriate content posted by users on the platform is blocked.
However, by the time action is taken, it may be too late. Also, the live streaming feature is interactive, and therefore, may not be suitable for young minds.
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Important measures parents should take to keep their children safe while using TikTok.
If you're wondering, "Is TikTok safe for kids?" well, by taking some of the following measures, you can make this app safe for your child to use. Here are some important steps you should take:
1. Manage screen time when using TikTok
The most important thing you can do as a parent is to limit your child's app usage. You can also use the built-in feature that allows the user to manage screen time. The same can be activated in parental controls by setting a password on Android or iOS devices.
2. Be specific with TikTok's Community Guidelines.
The Community Guidelines provided on the app provide insight into the app. Be sure to read them with your child to better understand what can and cannot be shared on the platform.
3. Activate parental control options when children use TikTok.
To restrict and manage what your child watches on the platform, you can activate device-based parental controls. You can check the instructions for these on Android or iOS devices.
4. Keep your TikTok account private.
TikTok's default account setting is "public," meaning the content you post can be viewed by anyone from anywhere in the world. However, you can change this setting to "private" by going to your account settings. This feature allows you to manage who follows, comments, and likes your posts.
5. Create more awareness about what can be shared.
Children may not have good judgment when it comes to what they can or cannot share on social media platforms. Therefore, it is very important for you, as a parent, to talk to your child in detail about the content that can be shared on these platforms. Better understanding and communication can protect your child from any type of online danger.
6. Teach your child about cyberbullying.
Social media is a place where everyone can connect with your child. Some may leave hurtful or derogatory comments that could affect your child's mind. Talk to your child about cyberbullying and explain what to do when faced with such situations.
7. Take advantage of the digital wellbeing setting
The app offers a Digital Wellbeing setting that can be activated by tapping the three dots in the top right corner. Tapping this will take you to the "Privacy & Settings" section, from where you can scroll down to the "Digital Wellbeing" option. By tapping this, you can not only manage screen time but also activate "Restricted Mode."
Before introducing your child to the world of social media like TikTok, you should talk about being safe and vigilant online. Educate your child about what they can and can't share on these platforms and the importance and value of protecting one's reputation and safety online.
the source : Is TikTok Safe for Kids – A Guide for Parents
