Please read our privacy policy. But some, such as the skull-breaker, are really dangerous. Still, the app collects a significant amount of information regardless. also familiarize yourself with TikToks security settings to make sure those settings are as optimized as possible. TikTok on its own is not safe or recommended for those under 13. From recipes to song covers, dance challenges, comedy skits, and even pool-cleaning videos whatever your interest is, theres a TikTok video for you. The app is designed for adults, and there are a lot of other good social media apps designed specifically for younger users, like PopJam. 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. 2K Likes, TikTok video from SharkTank (@sharktank_tiktok): "A 10-year-old girl introduces a safe and fun spoon design for kids - Part 2 #sharktank #foryou #fyp #projectpollo #deal #money #show #foryoupage #fyp". "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. Common Sense Media. They did this to comply with COPPA or the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. They also talked about how screenshots and screen recording tech can mean something seemingly impermanent might become a meme that haunts you. In 2021, the Irish Data Protection Commission investigated TikTok for its user data collection methods. Delivered Tuesdays and Thursdays. The private message and comment features also allow potential predators to connect with your child while posing as a younger kid. Parents have several options when it comes to monitoring their childrens accounts. People of all ages use TikTok, and a lot of the videos involve lip-synching or dancing to pop hits. This means that theres a whole range of videos that feature different topics, challenges or ideas. Younger Users also cannot publicly share personal information, including videos or profile details. The caveat is that the kid-friendly version isnt commonly utilized. As with social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat, TikTok has a commercial element that encourages people to buy stuff. It can provide hours of entertainment but also comes with a few safety risks and security issues. Recommended Video Enable These Privacy Settings Right Now TikTok can be a dangerous place, especially for children. Get health tips and parenting advice from Children's Health experts sent straight to your inbox twice a month. Another feature that you and your child should know is how to report and block harmful content, comments, or users. It's the former public feed that's particularly problematic, Jordan notes. Or an anxious 10-year-old who wants to send videos to his friends? The answer is: probably not. To find these settings, go to the homepage and find the Profile icon in the bottom right corner. There's also the worry of violent and obscene videos coming up in their timelines. When you report harmful content, it is flagged by TikTok, reviewed, and then removed from TikTok completely. Is TikTok safe for 9 year olds? "I'm so hurt. Children can easily bypass privacy measures if not supervised by an adult. She has an educational background in journalism and has worked in content marketing across several industries, including finance and cybersecurity. You can choose from "Everyone," "Friends," and "Off.". 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. No, the full version of TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years of age. No place on the internet is entirely safe for kids, including the TikTok app. 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. How old should you be to use Discord? To turn on Restricted Mode, set a 4-digit passcode. "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. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age. Parents can manage screen time, restrict content, and limit direct messages or turn off the feature completely. Every parent has to decide at what age it is safe for their child to access the Internet. Sounds: TikTok-like feature that allows users to include music with snaps. How Do I Protect My Young Child from Cyberbullying? TikTok was the most downloaded social media app in the world in 2020. TikTok is required to comply with the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which limits what data companies can collect about kids under 13. "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. If you select the "only me" option for the following list, other users will still be able to see your mutual friends. To make your account private: If your TikTok account is private, only those you accept as friends will be able to see your videos. Make sure to talk to your teen before they get any bad ideas. Social media also exposes kids to violent, graphic, or misinformed content they might not be ready to see. They may also become obsessed with likes and virtual approval, which isn't healthy for their emotional well-being. That said, TikTok doesn't necessarily have a perfect record when it comes to privacy and security. TikTok shares many of the same dangers as the wider Internet. For instance, TikTok collects registration details including name, birth date, username, and password. Is TikTok safe for 10-year-olds? 4 Conversations to Have with Older Kids and Teens About Their Screen Time Habits. The app is popular for viral dances and celebrity cameos and is a creative and fun platform for teens to enjoy. Even older children, who may be aware of general privacy risks, may act too impulsively when posting videos that could affect their future. Accounts for children between ages 13-15 will not receive push notifications after 9 p.m. For teens between ages 16-17, push notifications will be disabled after 10 p.m. Users between the ages 16 and 17 must actively switch their settings to enable direct messaging. The app's controls seem to be geared more toward limiting kids' access to virtual gifts that can be bought with real money, instead of giving parents regular monitoring capabilities. However, don't just set the controls and never check in with your child again. A Comprehensive Guide for Parents. They may use these features to build trust with your child, which could lead to physical danger. TikTok is a video-sharing platform where you can watch and create videos, and livestream. Toggle the switch for Private Account. The presence of cyberbullies, predators, and inappropriate content makes the platform a dangerous place. RELATED: Types of Bullying Parents Should Know About. The conversations around mental health can be dangerous. You will also notice if a dangerous challenge is trending, like the #tidepodchallenge that was devastatingly fatal for some teens. Offer to hold the camera or turn it around to do a selfie duet. 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. These videos can be grouped by hashtags, which often correspond to challenges, memes, or current events (like #pandemiclife). Lastly, some children may turn to social media apps like TikTok because they are seeking affirmation or praise online. When setting limits and rules, ensure your child knows there will be no negative consequences if they come to you with safety concerns. And bypassing that section only requires entering a false birth date, so it's not perfect. TikTok is intended for 13+ users according to the app's community guidelines. If they want to change their age, they will have to contact customer service and provide proof of their age at that point. You are now subscribed to the Children's Health Family Newsletter. TikTok is safe for 12-years olds, but only the curated version for users under the age of 13. Always up to date with the latest news, promotions and reviews. document.getElementById('enableRecite').addEventListener("click", function() { With her children in tow, she studies Obstetric Sonography and has made a career creating content about motherhood. Talk to your child about self control, compassion and empathy. If you swipe left, you'll see a more personally curated feed called "Following," featuring uploads from the people you choose to follow. 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. 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. It is not necessary and does not enhance their lives one little bit. Whether you just check in on their account from time to time, pair your profiles for constant supervision, or require them to use the alternate version of the application depends on your concerns and house rules. Challenges are any idea that goes viral. On this page, you can also control other safety and privacy features, such as who can send you comments and direct messages, and who can do a duet with you. A 10-year-old girl has died after doing the "Blackout Challenge" that she reportedly saw on the social media platform TikTok.The child, from Italy, was taken to a hospital in Palermo in cardiac . While full use of TikTok is technically limited to ages 13 and up, children can easily get around that by putting in a false birthdate. According to TikToks Younger Users privacy policy, TikTok also collects data about your childs device like IP address, browser details, and location, as well as app activity details like time spent in the app, video watches, and general usage information. Turning on this algorithm-based feature changes the appearance of mature or otherwise inappropriate content for younger TikTok users. (Accounts for people under 16 are automatically set to private. However, exposure to age-inappropriate material can still occur, and parental supervision is recommended. second-most popular social media site among American teenagers, protecting young users from inappropriate videos, TikTok sharing private user data with China, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. COPPA limits what data social media apps can collect from kids under 13. All rights reserved. If you enable the profile views setting on TikTok, other people will be able to see when you check out their profile. If these options are activated, TikTok and its third-party business partners will track internet activity so they can show your teen more relevant ads. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Just because you have an account does not mean you need to follow your child's account, but at least it can give you the knowledge and experience with the app to help your child set it up safely. Gen Z can't get enough of TikTok. "And many chase after that popularity by taking part in challenges, which can often be dangerous. Anyone with an account can upload a video to the platform. However, you should still review the settings to ensure they've been set up correctly. This way, youll see what theyre posting, who they interact with, and what videos they like. You might post videos on TikTok for everyone to see, but that doesn't necessarily mean you want everyone to be able to see who you're following or which videos you like. Cyberbullying is an ever-growing problem for children and teens active online. Not only are these videos potentially disturbing to viewers who see them in passing, but reactions to posts might encourage self-harm. You should consider your child's level of responsibility, self-regulation and impulsivity. With 3 billion downloads to date, TikTok is currently the hottest social media site for tweens and teens. Social media apps are known for harmful effects on mental health, like increased depression and anxiety, according to researchers. No, TikTok isn't safe for young users, but no social media platform is. The app is broken into two main feed sections. . They also illegally stored minors' data. Some might include: TikTok can be a creative outlet for young people as it allows them to learn about video editing and discover new interests. 2. 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. So no, my daughter isn't allowed to have TikTok. Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. Users can create and upload their own videos, many of which feature people lip-synching to popular songs. By default, anyone who stumbles across your video on TikTok can download it using the site's built-in video download feature. As a parent or guardian of a TikTok user, its important you make sure your child has the right privacy settings in place. Many kids and teens who have their videos go viral are subjected toharassment, ridicule andbullying. Is Overwatch Safe for Kids? Childrens Health is proud to become the first pediatric health system in the country to offer Amazon Lockers, self-service kiosks that allow you to pick up your Amazon packages when and where you need them most 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more. April 24, 2022 There are currently many social networks that, as a parent, you should keep track of your child engaging in. Where there is social media, theres inappropriate content. With more than a decade of experience, he covers Apple and Google and writes on iPhone and Android features, privacy and security settings and more. This is a pain that won't go away.. 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. In general, there are better social media alternatives for 10-year-olds. This ensures that children cant change the parental controls settings once they are set. Learn about the dangers of TikTok and how to keep your child safe by reading our article here. Is TikTok Safe for Kids? Like any social media app, TikTok can pose some risks to children and teens. "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. This way, they can have fun creating, socializing, and connecting. ", Also, under the "Safety" section of that same screen, you have the ability to customize who can post comments, who can Duet with your child, who can react to their videos, who can send them messages, and who can view videos they liked, she says. TikTok users under the age of 13 count as Younger Users.. There are also several tutorial videos that can help kids learn how to use tiktok. 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. What to do if you're worried about something a child has experienced online. Though you should work with your child as much as possible to stay safe online, you can also choose to limit their access when worried about their safety. Have an open dialogue about the app and internet safety practices. We've also highlighted some fun and educational apps to get them learning online. You might be wondering, Is TikTok safe for 11-year-olds? Go toProfile>three-dash menu>Settings and privacy>Privacy>Direct messages,and change these settings: Don't let just anyone send you a direct message. They can be songs, activities, or dances that start trending and then get copied by users on the platform. Blocking an account may not always be enough. Kidzworld: This is a moderated, child-friendly application that allows children to participate in forums and chat with others their age. However, TikTok knows that younger kids will find ways to sign up anyway, such as by using false birthdates. Using the platform can potentially expose children to predators, mature content, bullying, and data breaches. However, there is a way to help prevent that from happening to you. A recent report by Ofcom highlighted that over half of 3-17-year-olds are using TikTok. They also have restricted access to direct messages and livestreaming. If you have kids on TikTok, or even use the service yourself, it's important to familiarize yourself with all the features and settings TikTok provides to help bolster your privacy. 2023 CNET, a Red Ventures company. 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. Read Common Sense Media's full review of TikTok, and learn more about this popular platform. Given the social app's rise in popularity and recent media attention surrounding potential privacy concerns many parents are probably wondering if TikTok is safe for their child. TikTok is also a lot more . The solution is hands-on parenting. We walk you through the process to ensure that youre optimizing TikToks built-in safety settings: Though TikTok may have its issues, keeping an eye on your children and opening communication with them will help you feel better about their usage of the app.