What’s TikTok?
TikTok allows users to upload short videos from as little as 15 seconds up to 10 minutes. Although the platform was introduced globally in 2018, it has been in use in China in a different form since 2016. It has grown rapidly in popularity since its introduction, surpassing other big industry brands like Zoom and Google.TikTok videos can be of any genre, from comedy videos to dance videos. Your child can edit their videos using the app before posting them online. You can like the videos and leave comments. Because they are a major part of content creation, “likes” on social media platforms such as TikTok are a valuable currency.You can also use the “For You” option in the app. TikTok will show your child new content when they visit this section of the app. TikTok’s algorithm selects content for your child according to the content they have previously interacted with, liked or searched. TikTok is different than other social media platforms in that it doesn’t prefer content that has been liked or shared by others. Your child will be exposed to new content every day, and their content is just as likely to be seen by others as TikTok stars.
Why TikTok is Popular With Kids?
TikTok is a popular platform with kids. Your child will not be offended if you mention its disadvantages. It’s not the platform that children love but the social interaction it creates. TikTok is a place where kids are used to making friends online and interacting with others. Your child may feel left out when friends discuss videos they’ve seen on TikTok or use slang that they know. It can be difficult for children to feel excluded from their friends’ lives and have different experiences.
Is TikTok Safe for Kids?
Talking about the dangers of teens and TikTok is not enough. Some of the damage is already done.
1- Spreading Misinformation
Many TikTok videos are educational and may spread incorrect information. As with many social media platforms, misinformation is spread like wildfire on TikTok. Your child must be digitallyliterate to navigate this misinformation pool. This is something that adults still struggle with. It is easy for children to believe untrue information, especially when it comes from TikTok influencers that are already children’s authority figures.
2- Fear of Missing Out
Trends and challenges have been funny, dangerous and sometimes both. Children are motivated to copy what others do because they fear missing out (FOMO). The dark side of FOMO can lead to dangerous and even fatal challenges for children. Challenges like ” The Fire Challenge ” The Tide Pod Challenge ” can be extremely dangerous, and teens have been reported to have hurt themselves while performing them.Many children find it difficult to accept the ideals displayed on social media. This is especially true for teenagers who are trying to fit in with their peers. This platform can create an idealized version of your child’s mind with a particular body and a certain financial background. Their mental health can be affected if they don’t reach their goals.
3- Shows Inappropriate Content
TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms. However, it’s safer to use apps that have better filters for inappropriate material. An algorithm determines what content TikTok displays to your child as “For You”. The algorithm considers your child’s past interactions with content, their preferences and interests, as well as what content they have liked or disliked. Your child may see adult content on TikTok that isn’t recommended for their age. TikTok does not require a login to view videos. Anyone can access a link to inappropriate content.
4- Dangers of Predators
TikTok is very popular with children users. Users below 18 years of age use TikTok. There are predators everywhere there are children. This is the sad truth. Due to the nature of TikTok predators can easily “groom” your child by sending them messages and leaving comments. Even though there is a small chance that this will happen, it can still be frightening.
How Do I Make TikTok Safe for My Child?
Although TikTok is not inherently dangerous, it’s best for parents to be aware of what’s happening in their child’s TikTok accounts. Because your child may not know the best thing for them, it’s important to have parental control. You have two options to gain parental control access: either use TikTok’s parental settings or a third-party. parental control app .
How Do You Put Parental Controls on TikTok
You must enable Family Settings to allow parental control settings on TikTok. Follow the below steps to do this. You will need to first download TikTok if you don’t have enough.
- Open your TikTok App > Tap “Me”, in the bottom bar
- Tap on the three horizontal dots in the upper right corner
- Once you have entered the “Privacy & Safety” menu, click on Digital Wellbeing > Family Pairing
- TikTok will ask if you are a parent, or a teenager. Select “Parent”
- A QR code will be displayed after you tap “Continue”.
- Open your child’s device now and follow the three first steps. Select “Teen”.
- Use your child’s phone to scan the QR code displayed on your phone.
- You can set the security settings on your child’s TikTok accounts by tapping “Link Accounts”.
You can modify the three settings you have as a parent without having to enable Family Setting. Children can easily reverse the changes you make. Enabling Family Settings using a QR code is the best way to protect your data. You have now enabled parental controls for TikTok iPhone and Android.
