TikTok was the most downloaded app of 2019.
TikTok is especially popular with the younger teenage generation – but what is it and is it safe?
TikTok is a free social media app that lets you create, share and watch short videos. The most popular are lip-syncing videos but as the app has become more popular the videos content is ranging from lip-syncing music videos, dance videos to pranking content.
How old do you have to be to use TikTok?
To create and share content you have to be 13 years of age, however an account is not necessary to watch videos so is accessible for any age that has access to a mobile device.
Tips for parents
Like all forms of social media it is only a DOB that is used to verify an age, so it is easy for a tech savvy child under the age of 13 to manipulate the system and create an account if they want to.- Although TikTok is moderated there are definitely still videos that contain mature themes, especially with the rising popularity of TikTok with older teenagers and adults. Some of these you may find unsuitable for your child and there is no way to remove them from their feed. For example, with the music of today many songs contain adult language and sexualised content amongst other adult themes.
- If your child is creating content be sure their account is set to private so they are unable to share their videos publicly. This will limit who can view their videos. It is also important to monitor regularly who is following their content. You can even share an account with them by using the same login and monitor the content they are engaging with and/or posting with. There are many parent-child duo’s using TikTok so this may be a good way to start using the platform with your child and allowing you to monitor their usage in turn.
- All social media can become addictive and TikTok is no exception! Monitor your child’s usage so they don’t end up in a TikTok scrolling vortex and lose hours of their day to their screen!
Is it safe for my child to use TikTok?
With so many social media networks to monitor it can become overwhelming to add another to the mix. Like all Social Media, children’s usage should be monitored and TikTok is no exception.
However as long as you monitor your child’s activity, TikTok can be a fun, interactive app for them to use!
