TikTok has seen explosive growth since launching in 2016, becoming one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. As of January 2023, TikTok has reached over 1.5 billion monthly active users globally (Source). The app is especially popular among younger audiences, with over 60% of TikTok’s global users being between the ages of 16 and 24.
With its popularity among youth, concerns around TikTok’s safety features and ability to protect younger users have emerged. Issues like exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and privacy/data collection are central in the debate around how safe TikTok can be, especially for minors. This article will provide an overview of TikTok’s existing safety features and examine ways the platform and parents can help create a safer experience for younger users.
Review TikTok’s Existing Safety Features
TikTok offers several built-in safety features that parents can utilize to help keep their kids’ accounts secure (Panda Security, 2023). Some of the key features include:
Private accounts – Users can make their account private so only approved followers can view their content. This prevents unwanted interactions with strangers (TikTok, 2020).
Comments filters – Filters can be enabled to auto-block comments containing offensive language, spam, or bullying. This helps maintain a positive environment (Internet Matters, 2022).
Restricted mode – This limits appearances of inappropriate content in feeds. It uses AI to filter out potentially mature videos and comments (TikTok, 2020).
Screen time limits – Parents can remotely set daily caps on usage time through Family Pairing. This promotes healthy digital habits (Internet Matters, 2022).
Direct messaging controls – Users can restrict who can message them directly for increased privacy and safety (TikTok, 2020).
Parental Controls
TikTok offers several parental control features to help keep kids safe while using the app. One of the main features is Family Pairing, which allows parents to link their TikTok account to their child’s account. Family Pairing gives parents the ability to restrict certain features, set screen time limits, and restrict the child’s content feed to a “Younger Users” experience.
To enable Family Pairing, both the parent and child need to have TikTok accounts. The parent initiates the pairing process through their own device’s settings. Once paired, the parent gains control over the child’s account and can manage settings like screen time limits and restricted mode. Parents can also limit who can comment on their child’s videos and choose whether or not to allow direct messaging (source).
TikTok’s Restricted Mode limits the appearance of inappropriate content in the child’s feed. While not foolproof, enabling Restricted Mode can reduce the chances of age-inappropriate videos appearing (source). Parents can toggle this setting on/off through the Family Pairing management screen.
With the Family Pairing and Restricted Mode settings enabled, parents can feel more reassured about their child’s safety and digital wellbeing while using TikTok.
Digital Wellbeing
Digital Wellbeing is a feature within TikTok that allows users to monitor and control how much time they spend on the app. Users can set daily screen time limits and get reminders telling them to take breaks after a certain amount of time. According to Childnet, TikTok’s Digital Wellbeing page includes tools to help users manage their screen time like setting time limits, restricting night mode usage, and scheduling regular breaks (source).
The Digital Wellbeing settings allow users to cap their daily TikTok usage. Once the daily limit is reached, TikTok will prompt users to take a break. This can help combat overuse and potential app addiction. Users can also turn on “Restricted Mode” to limit access to certain content after a specified time, such as late at night. Overall, TikTok’s Digital Wellbeing features empower users to moderate their usage and maintain a healthy relationship with the app.
Reporting Inappropriate Content
TikTok provides users with tools to report inappropriate content such as videos, comments, accounts, or hashtags that violate community guidelines. Users can easily flag content by tapping the share icon on a video, comment, or account profile, and selecting “report”. From there, users can select from categories like nudity, harassment, hate speech, bullying, or others to file a detailed report to TikTok.
When reporting an offensive video or comment, users can select a specific reason why it violates policies, provide additional details, and submit the report. For entire accounts, users can file a report directly on the account’s profile page. TikTok also allows reporting offensive hashtags by tapping on the hashtag and then “report”.
By responsibly reporting inappropriate content, users can help keep the platform safe and positive. TikTok has stated it reviews reports and takes action within 24 hours. Accounts found spreading harmful content may be banned. Reporting tools are essential to maintaining TikTok’s community guidelines.
Blocking Users
One of the best ways to stay safe on TikTok is by blocking any users that make you feel uncomfortable or that exhibit inappropriate behavior. TikTok allows you to block other users in order to prevent unwanted interactions.
To block a user, go to their profile and tap the three dots in the upper right corner. Select “Block” from the menu. You can also block someone directly from their comment on your videos or while in a direct message chat by tapping the three dots next to their name and selecting “Block.”
Blocking a user prevents them from viewing your profile, videos, or comments. They will also be unable to message you directly or duet with your videos. You won’t see their content in your Following feed either. Essentially it removes their presence from your TikTok experience.
Blocking can be an effective tool to stop harassment and filter out accounts posting inappropriate, dangerous, or upsetting content. It gives users control over curating their feed and interactions. Parents can block accounts on their child’s behalf as well. Overall, liberal use of blocking capabilities allows TikTok users to customize their experience and shut out unwanted attention or material.
Source: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/block-users-on-tiktok
Private Accounts
One of the best ways to increase safety on TikTok is to make your account private. By making your account private, you limit your audience and disable comments from random users. Only approved followers can view your content or interact with you.
To make your TikTok account private:
- Go to your profile page
- Tap the 3-dot menu in the top right corner
- Select “Privacy and safety”
- Toggle “Private account” on
With a private account enabled, you have full control over who can follow you and comment on your videos. Keep your account limited to people you know and trust in real life. As this guide recommends, “If you wouldn’t give a stranger your phone number, don’t let them follow you on TikTok.”
Avoid Oversharing
It’s important for users to be mindful of what they share on TikTok and other social media platforms. Oversharing personal details can put your privacy and safety at risk. As this article discusses, revealing too much private information makes you vulnerable to cybercriminals who can use it to access your other accounts or steal your identity.
Users should set boundaries and be selective about what they post. Don’t share details like your home address, phone number, birth date, or any financial information. Avoid posting your daily schedule or routines that could let strangers determine where you live, work, or go to school. Also be cautious about revealing too many details of vacations or trips before or after you take them, as thieves could target your home while you’re away.
It’s a good idea to keep social media accounts private and only share personal posts with people you know and trust. Users should also utilize privacy settings to limit who can see their content. Setting boundaries for what you share publicly versus privately can help maintain your privacy and peace of mind.
Educate Children
Parents should have open and honest discussions with their children about using social media safely and responsibly. Teaching kids media literacy and critical thinking skills can help them make wise choices online. For example, explain that photos and videos can be altered digitally, and people’s online personas may not reflect reality. Encourage kids to think twice before believing or sharing everything they see on social media.
It’s also important to talk about the potential impacts of social media on self-image and self-esteem. Using filters and comparing oneself to others’ carefully curated content can negatively affect confidence and body image. Set reasonable limits around TikTok use and remind kids that their worth and talents extend far beyond social media. With guidance, kids can learn to engage critically with social platforms while protecting their wellbeing.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several ways parents and kids can use TikTok more safely:
– Enable parental controls like Family Pairing to manage screen time and restrict content
– Use TikTok’s Digital Wellbeing features to monitor usage and limit notifications
– Report and block any inappropriate content or users
– Set your account to private so only approved followers can view videos
– Be cautious about oversharing personal information
– Have open conversations with kids about online safety and behavior
While social media comes with risks, TikTok has implemented many protections to allow teens to creatively express themselves online safely. Stay involved as a parent, lead by example online, and keep an open dialogue with your kids.