Many of you may be aware of a popular internet appp referred to as Tik-Tok.
Safeguarding concerns have been highlighted regarding this app and therefore I link here an article designed to make parents aware of the pros and cons of this platform.
If your child is using Tik-Tok, I would advise you discuss the concerns with them or, if you are unsure if your child is using this app, I advise that you check.
As with all internet platforms, there are pros and cons to their use; I only seek to make you aware of these where possible so that you can make informed choices.
When you download the app users can see all the content without creating an account although they are not able to post, like or share anything until they’ve set up an account on the app.
You can set up your account by using your existing Google, Facebook, Instagram account, via email or phone.
By default all accounts are public so anyone on the app can see what your child shares. However, only approved followers can send them messages.
Users can like or react to a video, follow an account or send messages to each other. There is the risk that strangers will be able to directly contact children on the app.
Children may be tempted to take risks to get more of a following or likes on a video so it’s important to talk about what they share and with who.
To delete an account you have to request a code from the app using a phone number.
Like Facebook and Instagram, it has a digital wellbeing element (which is password protected) which alerts users who have been on the app for more than 2 hours. You can also turn on ‘restricted mode’ to filter out inappropriate content on the app.
Set your account to private
Also, you can set an account to be private so that all videos can only be seen by the creator and no one else on the platform. With a private account, you can approve or deny users and limit incoming messages to followers only.
Please note that even with a private account, your child’s profile photo, username, and bio are still visible to all users on the platform. You can manage who can comment, duet and direct messageyour child on the app.
As of 6 December the following features will be rolled out with a full rollout across TikTok markets before the end of 2019:
Live streaming: The minimum age limit to host a live stream will still remain 16+, however, TikTok has updated their policy so only users aged 18 and over can purchase and give virtual gifts, and also only those 18 and over can receive gifts from their fans.
Additionally, users wishing to use the live streaming feature will need to have a track record of creating quality content that follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines. Users who want to live-stream will be required to have a certain number of fans before they can use this feature.
Family Safety Mode: TikTok’s new Family Safety Mode which will be available later this month, is an in-app feature designed for parents to help keep their kids safe whilst using TikTok. The Family Safety Mode allows the parent to link their TikTok app to up to three kids to manage screen time, turn on restricted mode which prevents kids viewing inappropriate content and lastly, parents can set restrictions on who can engage with children’s comments. For example, you can restrict whether or not comments are allowed on their video.
Parents will not be able to monitor a child’s profile when these features are switched on and both the parent and child must consent to use this feature before use.
Be sure to update the TikTok app to ensure you are kept up to date with the latest features.
You can report content that doesn’t follow TikTok’s community guidelines within the app, click here to find out how to do it on the app.
You can delete followers or ‘Fans‘ by choosing the fan you’d like to remove and selecting ‘Block’ from the menu of options.
Mr Seargent.
https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/esafety-news/tik-tok-app-safety-what-parents-need-to-know/
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