TikTok has taken the world by storm with its short, user-generated videos. But as a parent, you may have concerns about its safety, appropriateness for kids, and how it actually works. In this guide, we’ll answer all your burning questions about TikTok and provide you with tips on how to ensure a safe and enjoyable TikTok experience for your kids.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social network where users create and share short videos, often lip-synching to popular songs. It offers a wide variety of content, ranging from challenges and memes to current events. Users can browse, interact, and discover videos using hashtags. The app is a platform for creativity, self-expression, and entertainment.

How safe is TikTok?

Using any social network carries some risks, but with adult supervision and privacy settings, TikTok can be safe for kids. The app has different rules depending on the user’s age:

• Users under 13 cannot post videos or comment. Content is curated for a younger audience.
• Kids aged 13 to 15 have private accounts by default. Only friends can comment on their videos, and others cannot “duet” with their videos.
• Users aged 16 and over can livestream and use direct messaging. Users over 18 can buy, send, or receive virtual gifts.

To further ensure safety, TikTok also provides tools for parents and caregivers. Parents can set time limits, enable Restricted Mode to filter mature content, and use Family Safety Mode to control settings completely.

How does TikTok work?

To join TikTok, users can sign up using a phone number, email address, or third-party accounts like Facebook or Instagram. Once logged in, users can search for popular creators, categories, and hashtags to discover videos. TikTok also allows users to find friends by syncing their phone contacts or connecting with social media followers. It’s worth noting that many users enjoy watching videos without necessarily creating content themselves.

Is TikTok appropriate for kids?

TikTok can be a kid-friendly platform if certain measures are taken. With adult supervision, safety settings, and sticking to known songs, kids can enjoy TikTok responsibly. However, due to its emphasis on popular music, some videos may contain swearing and sexual lyrics, making it unsuitable for unsupervised usage by younger kids. Additionally, TikTok’s commercial aspect encourages users to make purchases or earn rewards through referrals.

What age is TikTok recommended for?

Common Sense recommends TikTok for users aged 15 and above. The app’s privacy issues and mature content contribute to this recommendation. TikTok’s terms of service state that users must be at least 13 years old to use the basic features. However, there is a way for younger kids to access the app, albeit with limited functionalities.

Can kids under 13 use TikTok?

In the United States, TikTok offers a section specifically designed for kids under 13. This section only shows curated and clean videos, and kids cannot comment, search, or post their own videos. However, bypassing this section only requires entering a false birth date, so it’s not foolproof.

How can you make your TikTok account private?

Making your TikTok account private is essential to control who can interact with your child’s content. To do this, go to your profile page and select the three-dot icon in the top-right corner. From there, navigate to the “Settings and privacy” page and tap on “Privacy.” Toggle the switch for Private Account to make your child’s account private. Additionally, you can manage other safety and privacy features, such as comments, direct messages, and duets.

How can I use TikTok with my kids?

A great way to ensure your child’s safety on TikTok is to actively engage with them on the platform. By watching videos together and creating content as a family, you can provide a buffer between your child and potentially inappropriate content. TikTok also allows you to share videos privately through email, text, or other social media platforms, giving you better control over who sees your child’s content. You can further enhance safety by using the Family Pairing mode, which lets parents link their accounts to their children’s. With this feature, you can set viewing time limits, enable Restricted Mode, and manage privacy settings.

How do you do a duet on TikTok?

TikTok offers a duet feature that allows two users to perform together, even if they aren’t in the same location. One user creates and posts a video, and then a mutual follower can tap on the three-dot icon at the bottom right of the video and select “start duet now!” The second user can then lip-synch along with the first person, either swapping back and forth or appearing in a split-screen format.

What are TikTok challenges?

TikTok challenges are viral trends that can be songs, activities, or dances. Challenges gain popularity when users replicate and share them on the platform. While most challenges are harmless and fun, some can be dangerous. It’s important for parents to be aware of the challenges their kids are participating in and to have open conversations about online trends and their potential risks.

Does TikTok have parental controls?

Yes, TikTok provides several ways for parents and caregivers to manage their kids’ accounts. Parents can enable time limits and content filters on their child’s phone, protecting these settings with a passcode. Another option is to download TikTok on your own phone, create an account, and use the Family Pairing feature to manage your child’s TikTok settings from your device. Family Pairing requires syncing your child’s account with your own using a QR code. However, keep in mind that kids can still bypass these controls by downloading TikTok on a different device or creating a new account.

How can I monitor my child’s activity on TikTok?

While TikTok’s controls primarily aim to limit virtual gift purchases, the app doesn’t offer regular monitoring capabilities for parents. The Restricted Mode helps filter out mature content, provided that kids don’t actively try to seek it out. To gain more control, parents can sign up for an account and connect it to their child’s using the Family Pairing mode. With this feature, parents can set limitations such as disabling direct messaging and setting daily time limits. It’s essential to maintain open communication with your child about their TikTok activities and encourage safe online behavior.

What if my child wants to get famous on TikTok?

Many kids dream of gaining fame on TikTok, inspired by the success stories of creators like Charli D’Amelio. While going public on TikTok can be tempting, it’s essential to prioritize your child’s safety. Encourage safe behavior by setting limits on the personal information they share and modeling responsible use of the platform. Help them understand that virtual approval is not a measure of their worth and that their emotional well-being should always come first.

Should I be concerned about TikTok’s security?

The security concerns surrounding TikTok, particularly with its parent company, ByteDance, based in China, have raised alarms. Investigations revealed that TikTok’s privacy policy and data collection practices are not significantly worse than those of other social media apps. Most concerns about spying on users in other countries are likely exaggerated. Nevertheless, TikTok has had privacy and security issues, such as accessing users’ clipboards without their knowledge and storing minors’ data without consent. Staying informed and up-to-date with the latest developments regarding TikTok’s security is advisable.

In conclusion, TikTok can be a fun and creative platform for kids if used responsibly and with proper supervision. By implementing privacy settings, having open conversations with your child, and actively engaging with them on the app, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable TikTok experience for the whole family.