Let’s face it; there are countless social media platforms today. With this, most of us need to explore these media, and TikTok is no different. This platform comes with its own obsession that makes it unique.
Specifically, TikTok seems to attract the general population, including kids. Here is where parents become concerned, mostly those unfamiliar with this platform. If you understand TikTok, then you are aware of the dangers it poses to kids.
TikTok is incredibly popular globally and used by millions of people today. Besides, it has celebrities from all forms of life. And children are among them.
As a parent, it is your mandate to protect your kids. With the dangers posed by TikTok against them, it is crucial to learn this platform’s basics. So, what is TikTok, and what does it entail?
To enable parents understand this platform and help their kids to use it safely, we have presented a complete guide to TikTok.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is the fastest growing social network around the globe today. It involves sharing user-generated videos on any topic. It was initially referred to as musical.ly but took the same concept.
Still, it differed due to its broader scope and did not focus on lip-syncing to music. Users can create any short video and share it with other users through TikTok. Also, users can customize videos using a range of effects and filters offered by the applications.
That’s not all; TikTok allows users to browse and interact with each other. Besides, it offers an extensive scope of video creation. TikTok remains one of the leading video-sharing social networks today.
What makes TikTok so popular globally?
Following its launch in 2016, TikTok has become among the top social platforms worldwide. It has grown tremendously over the years. By October 2018, it had over 500 million monthly active users. The U.S. became among the most popular countries with over 80 million downloads.
As per the August 2020 data, the short-video platform has almost 100 million monthly active users in the US alone.
Celebrity endorsements are one reason why TikTok gained popularity fast. Several celebrities have fueled the app’s success. Besides, the company launched various partnerships with top celebrities. This has influenced more people to join TikTok.
Another fundamental driving factor is its strong focus on localized content. The app runs on local contests and challenges through hashtags. For instance, it runs the ‘1 million audition’ globally but separately.
Users can only record pleasant videos and share them with ease. It also includes different effects and filters exciting to users. More so, the video plays once the user opens his or her private TikTok account. The addictive nature of these short videos attracts more people to the platform.
Is TikTok safe?
Like any other social media account, TikTok also carries its fair share of risks. With kids, TikTok can be safe provided parents supervise them. Kids between 13-15 years with TikTok accounts tend to have an account that is private by default.
For this reason, only friends can comment, duet, and share the view. This is one way to determine how to make all videos private on TikTok at once. Yet, they should be monitored continually.
There is also a Restricted Mode, found in the TikTok privacy settings. It allows parents to control some activities done by children. Because TikTok is another risky social network, parents can make it safe for kids.
How does it work?
First, mobile users can download the TikTok app before registering. There is also a web version where you sign up for a TikTok account.
Similar to most social and chat applications, users have to sign up. TikTok requires users to provide their phone numbers or email address to create an account. You can also use third-party accounts such as Facebook to create an account.
The account allows you to specify which video to watch. Begin by searching popular creators, categories, or hashtags to find videos. The app will enable you to follow some users and monitor their uploads.
You may begin making your videos and share with other users. However, not everyone creates and shares videos on TikTok. Some people follow content creators to enjoy their videos.
SEE ALSO: How to unblock TikTok at places it’s blocked
How to make your TikTok account private
TikTok allows users to create either a public or private account. Besides, they can choose to see TikTok private account videos alone. Here is how to make your TikTok account private on the computer and mobile devices.
To achieve this, you need to take the following simple steps:
- Navigate to your TikTok account profile page.
- Tap the three-dot symbol at the top-right corner.
- Choose the Privacy and Safety option and select Private Account.
- That is it.
This gives you the freedom to secure your account from users, not in your contact. TikTok also has the option to restrict users from sending comments and direct messages. It also involves choosing who to do a duet with.
Such features are available and the Friends option in the Settings. That said, this is an effective way on how to make your TikTok account personal.
What is the recommended age to create a TikTok account?
At Privacysavvy.com, we recommend the app for the age of 15+. That is because of privacy concerns and mature content. According to TikTok, users with at least 13 years can have a TikTok account.
Still, there exist other means for younger children to own an account. Those below the age of 18 should remain under the control of parents or guardians. But the bitter truth is that more kids globally use TikTok without adult supervision.
How fitting is TikTok for kids?
TikTok is unsuitable for kids despite having a few child-friendly videos. Most videos on the platform include sexual or nudity. Some videos cover inappropriate topics unrecommended for kids.
Although TikTok emphasizes popular music, it is easy to find videos unideal to kids. Kids using TikTok can readily stumble on such videos. When this happens, parents understand the consequences better.
Parents can alleviate such events by becoming vigilant about what kids watch on TikTok. Make them stick to ‘clean’ songs and appropriate videos. And this can make TikTok kid-friendly.
Can kids under 13 still use TikTok?
Besides parental supervision, TikTok has a section for kids under 13. It enables this group to use the app but with added restrictions. The section includes extra safety and privacy features suitable for kids under 13.
For this reason, kids can only watch appropriate and curated videos on the app. Again, it restricts commenting, kids posting videos, and searching specific videos.
But still, these features have their downsides too. Kids can bypass it by providing a fake birthday. At times, it isn’t perfect hence unappealing for most kids.
Another detrimental thing is that these features are only available in the United States. It means other kids globally can still access inappropriate content in the app.
How do I delete a TikTok video from my kid’s TikTok account?
First, you will need to select the video you need to delete from your kid’s account. Tap on the three dots on the bottom-right corner. And choose the Delete option, represented by a trash can icon.
TikTok will ask if you are sure of your choice before the video gets deleted. Afterward, the video will disappear from the kid’s profile.
If other users have already downloaded your video, it will remain in their device storage. It is essential to adjust your privacy setting to avoid such cases.
How do I delete my kid’s TikTok account?
Deleting a TikTok account requires you to follow following simple steps:
- On your TikTok profile page, click on the three dots you see on the top-right corner.
- Tap on Manage My Account. Add an active phone number if you are yet to include one.
- Once you add your number, you will see the option “Delete my account.”
- Tap on the option, and a new page will open. Enter the verification code sent by TikTok on your phone and click Continue.
- You will get an alert, a reconfirmation, regarding account deletion before the platform removes it. Confirm your deletion and tap Delete Account.
That is is, your account will no longer be active.
Note that the platform gives you 30-days as a grace period. Meaning in 30-day time if you wish you can get all your followers and old videos back by reactivating the account. Your deleted account will be gone forever if you decide not to reactivate it after 30-days of deactivation.
How can I supervise my kid’s activities on TikTok?
TikTok has Restricted Mode to allow parents to restrict what kids access in the app. Besides this, it is left to the parent. The best option is to share the TikTok account with your kid.
This helps you monitor what kids do both in viewing or posting. If you have older kids, get to know about their favorite content creator in TikTok.
Does TikTok have parental controls?
TikTok incorporates parental controls in the app. The goal is to help parents to restrict what kids access. Besides, it filters content while protecting the settings with a password.
It is an excellent approach to limit what your kids watch on TikTok. Here are parental control features on TikTok:
Screen Time Management: The feature limits users from spending more than two hours on the app. As a parent, you can limit it to 40 minutes.
Restriction Mode: This blocks mature content by filtering content for kids. It ensures kids access appropriate content only.
Family Pairing: You can choose to pair your kid’s TikTok account with yours using this feature. Tap on the three dots, select Family and Pairing, and sync. Connect using the QR code to see what your kid watches. It is essential to learn how to make a TikTok video private and secure for your kids.
Bottom line
Parents have a burden to protect their kids against mature content. It directly relates to a feeble privacy and security record on TikTok. Although the firm has strived to protect kids, the issue has remained a big concern to date.
Security against minor’s data has become another challenge. Constant monitoring can help parents keep these data safe. You can also opt for a VPN to secure your kid’s data while using TikTok.
