As parents, we have a lifetime of experience with different social media platforms such as Myspace, Tumblr, Twitter, and Foursquare. With that experience, a healthy amount of skepticism has developed within us. We have been around social media long enough to understand the pros and cons of being online. We know that just because something says it’s private, it does not always mean it is truly private. However, do our kids possess the same level of awareness?
First things first – do YOU know enough about TikTok to have this conversation? I mean, I’m pretty obsessed with it myself. I idly scroll through random TikTok videos whenever I have some downtime.
WHAT IS TIKTOK?
TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short-form videos, typically ranging from 15 to 60 seconds in length. Since its launch in 2016, TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over one billion active users worldwide.
TikTok is a platform that allows freedom of expression in creative ways, catering to trending pop culture, which makes it very attractive to our younger kids. However, like all social media platforms, it raises concerns
- Children can come across inappropriate content such as swearing, sexual lyrics, and people wearing revealing clothing and dancing suggestively.
- Strangers looking to connect with children on TikTok can definitely be a safety concern.
WHAT DOES TIKTOK HAVE IN PLACE TO PROTECT MY KIDS?
TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old to use the basic features, however, younger kids can access the app. Common Sense Media recommends the app for kids 15+.
TikTok does have different limitations within the app for age groups:
- Users under the age of 13 can’t post videos or comment, and content is curated for a younger audience.
- For kids aged 13 to 15, accounts are private by default. Only friends can comment on videos, and other users can’t duet (explained below) with your videos.
- Only users aged 16 and over can live stream and use direct messaging, and only users over 18 can buy, send, or receive virtual gifts.
- TikTok recently announced a time limit of 60 minutes/day for users under 18, requiring a password to be entered for further access to the platform.
TikTok also has some tools for parents to limit how much time is spent on the app and what kids can see. The use of TikTok’s Restricted Mode or Family Safe Mode can help.
OK, I KNOW ABOUT TIKTOK. HOW DO I TALK TO MY KID ABOUT IT?
Below are just a few tips to help create an open-ended conversation with your kiddos. Even if your child may already have a TikTok account, it’s never too late to talk to them. There is no right or wrong way to talk about online privacy and social sharing. Ultimately, you know your child best.
- Ask a few scenario questions to create an open dialogue. The questions below are just a few you can ask to get their perspective and guide them on what you deem as appropriate.
- Who will you follow?
- What do you think it means when an account is private?
- What are some of the good challenges? What are some of the bad challenges?
- What type of videos are ok to post?
- What if you post a video with a friend and they are not ok with it?
- Look at their friends’ accounts together. Sometimes the best way to learn is to examine things together. Take a look at one of their friend’s accounts and scroll through the content. Show them what you feel is appropriate to post and what’s not.
- Follow them on TikTok. This may not be a conversation tip, but it’s definitely just smart parenting. It doesn’t mean you have to watch every video they post, but seeing the content when you need to without taking their phone makes it convenient.
