Parents can apply some security actions to make TikTok use safer for their kids. TikTok is not examined totally safe for kids, but the app is attractive to them as it allows free appearance in creative ways. They can make videos on any topic, ranging from sports and fitness to recipes and many other tutorials. However, TikTok requires parents observation and a private account for the following reasons:
- Kids usually come across improper information that depict abusive language and activity even after clarify the information.
- TikTok has a financial component that offers reward points or prize money if kids invite their friends to download the app. These points or money can be redeemed for coupons from different brands.
- Strangers are consistently looking to connect with kids on TikTok, and this can be a big safety concern. So, parents should look after it.
What Are The Risks Of TikTok For Kids?
- Connect with strangers: Social media allow kidss to connect with strangers. Although there is no harm in developing new connections, TikTok users connect with children with wrong intentions sometimes. So, you should be careful about it.
To check this point, TikTok has set safety instructions that stop strangers from sending improper messages to children. Therefore, children under 16 years are not allowed to send or receive any private messages. Unfortunately, many children use TikTok with a fake date of birth, causing their safety to be at risk. - Collection of data: In the past, TikTok had been blamed for illegally collecting the data of children less than 13 years old and fined by the US Federal Trade Commission. Therefore, children must keep away from sharing and giving their personal information on TikTok.
- Dangerous challenges: All social media platforms frequently come across with different challenges. Earlier, TikTok had launched some dangerous challenges, such as the Skull breaker Challenge and Blackout Challenge. Participate in such challenges can be dangerous. Hence, children must keep away from such challenges and avoid being influenced by friends or peer pressure.
What Do Parents Need To Know About TikTok For Kids?
- Your child can open a TikTok app using their Google, Facebook, or email accounts, posing a big risk of shared personal information.
- There are chances that improper information (adult info) may crop up on your child’s profile even after putting the privacy. Subjection to such information can unfavourably affect children.
- Some information on tactful topics, such as politics, racism, and violence, can affect your child’s mental state.
- Friends and other people on the app might impose your child to build better information.
- Your child can become a target of cyberbullying as users may criticize their content, which might affect their self-confidence.
- The child may develop body image issues or problems with their self-esteem.
What Safety Measures Should Be Taken While Using TikTok?
- Set screen time limits
- Enable restricted mode
- Enable family pairing
- Monitor your child’s activity
- Make the account private
- Control video settings
- Report and block users
Conclusion:
- TikTok is not considered good for children and must never be used without parental supervision.
- According to the app’s conditions, the minimum age for using the app is 13 years.
- Using this app may lead to risks such as connecting with strangers, participating in dangerous challenges, and sharing personal data.
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