Updated Sept 2021: TikTok is a short-form video platform that offers in-app editing, effects, and sounds to help users develop great fun memes along with creative content. It has displaced Instagram and YouTube in Kids affections as the number most popular App. Its ease of use, speed and creative buzz appeal to kids.
When downloading for the first time, take the time to explore the tips with your kids or teens, scroll through our safety videos. Remember TikTok is very commercial, you will be shown advertising, some it of it will not be appropriate for younger users. Offensive content will be shown immediately as it is the most viral and most shared. So take the time to tell TikTok you don't like it by swiping up immediately.
TikTok is for users aged 13 and above. So kids are not meant to be using TikTok at all. The first step is to use privacy settings and enable Digital Wellbeing. The images below show you how to do that. . University study shows most kids simply go around age restrictions.
You can easily enable a private account in privacy and safety. A private account means you can approve or deny follower requests. Only users you’ve approved as followers can see your content. Update 2021: Early in January 2021 for all users outside China, ByteDance made these mandatory for all users aged between 13 -16. Like all social media, they don't age verify users, so this was just window dressing. Request an internet safety Talk
Even if your teen has a private account, they can manage who follows their account by removing followers or blocking users and at any time, for any reason. Remove a follower to stop someone from sending your teen a DM (direct message). Blocking a user will prevent them from interacting with or viewing your kids content at all. Quick test - Ask your teenager, Have you ever blocked (reported, deleted) anyone? Would you ever block anyone from following you online? It's important kids have the confidence to block people.
Use 'Not Interested' when watching to see less of that sort of content in the future. At the account level, enabling Restricted Mode is an option that limits the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Restricted Mode can be reset as your teen ages. You can set it behind a passcode for additional control.
Whether an account is private or public, your teen has the power to decide whether they want to allow comments on their videos from everyone, followers only – or restrict them altogether. Again, this can be set either at the account level or adjusted for each video they create. Learn more about controlling comments
Messaging is a way to share creative ideas, but on TikTok, only your teen's followers can send them a private message. You can unfollow or block a user to curtail an individual's ability to send a DM, or disable messaging entirely from their privacy settings.
Duets are a fun way to create videos with other users. Decide on who can make duets with or react to their content. They can set their preference just once at the account level and have the chosen setting apply to all their videos. It's also possible to selectively enable or disable duets for a particular video.
TikTok embraces creativity valuing support and positivity especially. If you see something you don't want to see, report it. Report content or a profile directly from within the app.
Agree on daily usage amounts and enforce them. Parental Control is important when it comes to managing time limits and age-appropriate.
TikTok is fun, try it out. Join in on a trend or have fun with everyday moments together. Making fun content with your teen can be a great way to learn and share their interests. . Check out the TikTok Parental Guide. There are several resources you can access directly from the Parents Portal in the TikTok Safety Center.
From our ebook - How to protect your kids online
Kids go around age restrictions
TikTok made safer but not safe
Internet Safety Tips for Kids - Keeping Kids Safe Online 10k + reads
The trouble with TikTok
Setting up the right Social Media Profile for Kids
Low-Cost Norton 360 Premium Gamers - You need Nord VPN
Get the latest updates in your email box automatically.
Your nickname:
Email address:
Subscribe