Kids these days can’t imagine their lives without social media. This is their way to fit in their social circle. They use as many apps as possible to stay updated on their peers’ lives and stay in the loop with the latest school news. But what app is the most popular?
Once the absolute leader, Facebook eventually took a step back, giving way to Instagram and TikTok. With an astounding 1.65 billion downloads to date, TikTok has become the ultimate obsession for schoolers. But what is it, and why are kids obsessed with this app? Let’s find out.
Table Of Contents
What Is TikTok?
TikTok is a comparatively new social media app that allows users to browse endless feed video content. The app originated from a lip-synching site Musical.ly launched in 2014. In 2018, it was purchased by ByteDance and became TikTok — a Chinese social media app as we recognize it today.
The TikTok content is variable. Here, you can come across a wide range of videos, from people showcasing their daily routines (including some less pleasant content) to popular music artists performing their biggest hits.
Unfortunately, TikTok isn’t good enough at filtering content, so kids are exposed to the danger of running into inappropriate videos.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Have TikTok?
Parents will be happy to know that the TikTok app age limit really exists. The app is meant for children aged 13 and older.
However, kids are smart enough to create TikTok accounts using a fake date of birth. So, parents are recommended to check out if their kids have entered the correct data.
How to Put Parental Control on TikTok: A Step-by-Step Guide
TikTok offers built-in parental control features through its Family Pairing and Digital Wellbeing tools. Here’s how to set up parental controls on TikTok to ensure a safer experience for your child:
1. Use a Parental Control App to Monitor Your Child on TikTok
A proven way to protect your children from the dangers of TikTok is by installing a parental control app on their cell phones. A monitoring tool, such as Eyezy, can help you monitor your kid’s device anytime right from your smartphone.
Eyezy offers a bunch of basic parental control features that give you access to their phone calls, text messages, and media files remotely. But if you are in dire need of getting more details on your kid’s online activity, you can take advantage of advanced tools like:
- Screenrecorder — take screenshots of your kid’s activity on social media apps and identify any sign of inappropriate behavior or dangers;
- Keylogger — set restricted words and get instant alerts when kids type them into messages or browser search bar;
- App blocking — restrict the apps you disapprove of (including TikTok) and prevent your kid from getting into trouble online.
2. Enable Family Pairing
Family Pairing allows parents to link their TikTok account to their child’s account and manage safety settings.
- Step 1: Open the TikTok app on both your and your child’s devices.
- Step 2: Tap the Profile icon in the bottom right.
- Step 3: Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top right and select Settings and privacy.
- Step 4: Select Family Pairing under the Content & Activity section.
- Step 5: Choose Parent on your device and Teen on your child’s.
- Step 6: Scan the QR code on your child’s device to link the accounts.
Once connected, you can manage screen time, direct messages, and restricted content.
3. Set Up Screen Time Management
Control how long your child spends on TikTok each day.
- Go to Settings and privacy.
- Tap Screen Time.
- Enable Daily screen time and set the time limit.
4. Activate Restricted Mode
This limits exposure to inappropriate content.
- Go to Settings and privacy.
- Select Content preferences > Restricted Mode.
- Enable it and set a passcode to prevent changes.
5. Manage Privacy Settings
Adjust account privacy for added safety.
- Navigate to Settings and privacy > Privacy.
- Set the account to Private Account.
- Restrict who can comment, duet, or send messages.
By enabling these parental controls, you can create a safer and more positive TikTok experience for your child.
Is Tik Tok Safe for Kids: The Biggest Dangers of the App
Although TikTok seems a perfect digital playground for children, it is also a good deal of trouble. Children can run into something they shouldn’t see, and this is the least of the problems. Teens and tweens can also fall victim to online scammers, predators, or cyberbullies.
TikTok Privacy Concerns
In 2019, the U.S. government opened a national security review related to user privacy concerns on TikTok. As was reported by the New York Times, TikTok was acquired by a Chinese company. As a result, TikTok was fined for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and paid $5.7 million.
Although TikTok made an effort to improve its security settings, parents still need to take extra measures to safeguard their children.
Online Predators
It’s no secret that children enjoy communicating with others online. Unfortunately, some of their new friends can pretend to be someone they aren’t in reality. Millions of online predators surf the web daily and seek victims on apps such as TikTok.
If parents don’t identify them before it’s too late, their kids can fall victim to online sexual abuse.
Explicit Content
As was noted earlier in this article, running into inappropriate content on TikTok is normal. People upload what they want, even if their videos are offensive, dangerous, or adult-oriented.
If a child uses the incorrect date of birth during registration, they will obviously run into something they shouldn’t see.
Final Thoughts: Why Monitoring Your Kid’s TikTok Is Important
Although setting up trusting relations with kids is important, every parent must realize that knowledge is power. When you’re aware of the dangers that your child can face on TikTok, you have a possibility to prevent your kid from getting into trouble online.
This is what parental control apps, such as Eyezy, are designed for. With their help, parents can gain peace of mind by monitoring their kids’ online activity anytime they need.
TikTok can be extremely harmful to kids, unless parents manage its use with a parental control app
Dear Julia! Thank you for your comment. Social media apps can be really dangerous for children if used unwisely. It’s good to know that apps, such as Eyezy, help parents to be aware of their kids’ online activity.