TikTok allows users to express themselves through short video clips to attract followers and create a community. Although it entertains users, most parents are concerned about whether TikTok is suitable for pre-adolescent children or not.
There are instances when TikTok contains inappropriate content for children. TikTok’s primary focus is on popular music; that’s why many videos have mature language. Additionally, some of the content can be disturbing for children, so it might not be suitable for them to use it unsupervised.
This post will cover some safety precautions you should take if your early adolescent child is TikTok addicted, so keep reading.
While TikTok content is generally safe, some parents have serious worries regarding children using the app. Social media sites are built with the adults in mind, and that’s why most of the stuff you see there is 16+.
Most of the content on TikTok is based on music and video, so it sometimes contains adult content. The most overt adult content examples include swearing, suggestive dancing, and apparel.
But despite its 16+ rating, the app also promotes several themes that are significantly more mature. Your child will have access to mature material, suggestive themes, and challenges with just a fast hashtag search.
Additionally, the app allows interaction with strangers, which presents a severe risk to your child because you never know who they might be. There have been complaints of internet predators using the TikTok app to prey on younger users. That’s why Parents need to supervise their kids while using TikTok.
At what age can people safely use TikTok? Although TikTok is suggested for users 13 and older, it is strongly advised that only children 15 and older use it. It’s primarily because of mature content and privacy concerns. Although the TikTok app requires users to be at least 13 years old to use it entirely, there is a way for younger children to access it.
When new users sign up, TikTok doesn’t use any tools to check their age. Because anyone can enter a false date of birth, anyone of any age can create an account. Therefore, your child will have access to mature content if they make a TikTok account without your awareness. You must activate privacy settings to control the data you and your children share.
The good news is that TikTok provides parents with various options to monitor and control their kids’ accounts. There are two ways you can do it.
Here’s how to set screen time restrictions and content filters on your child’s phone:
Screen Time Management: One of the most admirable features TikTok Offers is screen time management. This setting allows users to use the app for two hours each day. If you want to restrict the time more, you may lower it to only 40 minutes.
Remember to activate the passcode to lock the settings If you’re starting this feature on your child’s phone. A parent can impose limitations on their child’s account with this feature. This will block videos that have been reported as inappropriate.
Restricted Mode: Although this filters out mature content, youngsters using the app alone may still see videos that aren’t appropriate for their age.
Family Pairing: On both devices, tap the three dots next to the user profile. Select Family Pairing, then use the QR code to connect your account to your child’s.
That way, you can keep a check on your kid’s activities on TikTok.
Any controls you enable won’t be 100% effective because youngsters can always re-download TikTok and make new accounts with a different phone number or email address.TikTok doesn’t have any content filtering options besides Restricted Mode. Thus parents are urged to share an account with their older children.
Thanks to this, you can monitor what your child views and posts. Older children’s parents might inquire about and learn more about the videos made by their favourite video producers (with or without your kid). Invest some time daily to keep up with the top music, videos, challenges, and memes.
TikTok provides several options to make it a safe platform for you and your kids. If you find content on TikTok that doesn’t follow TikTok’s community Guidelines, you can easily report it to make it safer for your kid.
Keep updating the TikTok app regularly to keep up with updated features.
As a parent, your only concern shouldn’t be your child coming across inappropriate content on TikTok. Still, kids below 15 using many social media platforms, such as TikTok, Facebook, Or Instagram, are prone to mental and physical health issues.
Your child is vulnerable to harsh responses and critical remarks if they post videos and images frequently. And it has been reported that cyberbullying is one of the main causes of a child’s deteriorating mental health.
This may significantly affect your child’s confidence, self-esteem, and body image. It occasionally causes depression, anxiety, and even eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia. So keep your kids away from social media platforms as much as you can, and if that’s not possible, then keep a check on their activities and do not let them see inappropriate content.