In this ever-changing digital world, avoiding social media is a significant challenge, especially with apps like TikTok, which are particularly popular among children and teenagers. The interactive, eye-catching interface, combined with entertaining features like creating funny videos and copying trends, is no wonder that it is so popular among people nowadays.
However, if you are a parent or guardian seeking to keep kids safe everywhere, especially in their digital lives, the primary question on your mind is whether TikTok is a safe platform for kids to use. To alleviate your frustration and worry less, please stay in touch with us. In this blog, we will discuss methods that support securing your family with effective decision-making capabilities.
Table of Contents
What is TikTok? A general platform?
TikTok is a major 21st-century invention, offering user-relevant features. It has built-in top filters to create funny and entertaining videos. You are allowed to share videos with sounds or lip-sync with your friends. Now, it lets you voice over on your videos, making dance steps viral trends and makeup tutorials, plus many more and covering the broader internet spectrum.
However, not every context is kid-friendly. Therefore, understanding the security is a crucial need before allowing TikTok to be installed on kids’ devices.
Is TikTok a safe app for kids to use?
TikTok is primarily developed for entertainment, but it is also now used for educational and informational purposes. However, the risk factor is always present, especially for younger users. Kids may get caught up in the in-app content, receive unwanted messages, or become addicted to it, as it can be addictive. There are TikTok safety measures, but those are not enough to keep kids away.
That’s why parents should be involved in every daily activity and utilise essential safety features.
Risks to consider
When we say ‘risks on TikTok,’ the first word that comes to mind is the exposure of content that is unfit for kids of a certain age. TikTok itself sets parameters, but still, some content passes through.
Online predators or bullies are another major concern; the direct messages and chat requests let bullies in.
Lastly, higher screen spending rates undoubtedly have an impact on both physical and mental health.
TikTok pre-built safety features
TikTok introduces additional security measures for teens’ safety. It comes with built-in safety features, including:
Restrictive Mode: it based on user reports. When users report specific content, it is filtered and its display is limited on kids’ “For You Page”.
Family Sharing: Parents can link their accounts to their kids’ TikTok profiles and handle their chats, screen time, and limit improper content.
Privacy settings: Users can adjust their settings to determine who can view their posts, comment on them, and send them messages.
Although these features help keep kids safe, they are not a substitute for parental supervision or open communication.
How to Make Sure You Control Your Kids’ Lives (on TikTok)
The app features a range of in-app parental controls, allowing you to manage your child’s TikTok usage. This is how they work and how to make the most of them:
Screen Time Limit App: Set daily limits (30 minutes or 1 hour) to prevent excessive screen time. A passcode pops up if they access.
Content Filter: Ittera allows you to block specific types of content and toggle Dark Mode on or off.
Messaging Control: Select who can message your child or turn messaging off.
They’re helpful tools, but they work best when used together with open communication. Discuss with your child why these boundaries exist and what behaviour is considered appropriate online.
Best TikTok Monitoring Apps for Parents
At times, parents want an additional layer of security, and that’s where third-party monitoring apps come into play. These apps offer a more detailed view of your child’s TikTok activity, allowing you to respond if necessary. Here are some top options:
TheOneSpy
TheOneSpy enables parents to track everything from video activity to messages to screen time. You can also receive alerts if it notices something fishy. Moreover, the screen recorder records the live screen activities and saves them to your dashboard. You can view TikTok activities and never miss anything that appears suspicious.
OgyMogy
OgyMogy provides in-depth reports on how much time your kid spends on TikTok, which content they are watching, and who they interact with. It also allows you to pause content and remotely manage screen time.
FonSee
FonSee is an easy-to-use app that allows you to monitor your child’s TikTok history, including the videos they’ve liked and the people they’ve followed. It’s valuable for parents who want to monitor without being overly pushy. Keylogger tracks every key to restrict browsing of bad phrases or words.
FlexiSpy
FlexiSpy is more advanced, offering the ability to track communications, screen recording, and even app control, with monitoring to see how TikTok is used, as well as the option to block certain users.
MobiStealth
The range of features tracks TikTok live activities discreetly, meaning parents can monitor TikTok without worrying about privacy leakage.
Alternative TikTok safety apps you can trust
If you are not comfortable handing over your phones to kids, several apps are primarily designed to address their concerns. These apps work similarly to TikTok, allowing kids to create funny lip-sync or creative videos with
YouTube Kids:
Offers an extensive range of child-friendly videos with top-notch parental control supervision. No chance of illegal access with safe browsing options.
KidsBop:
A safe platform where kids fulfil the urge to make funny videos with different sounds and share them with their friends without the safety breaches.
Triller:
It’s more like TikTok app, with tighter security measures, allowing users to share short clips and show age-appropriate content to users.
Final words!
Navigating the right use of the TikTok app is daunting in this revolutionary digital world. However, like other social media apps, TikTok comes with potential challenges. As there is no separate platform specifically designed for kids, TikTok itself has safety features, but they are not enough to ensure kids’ safety.
With the safer TikTok features and the use of third-party apps, you can have judgment-free conversations. You empower your kids to be safe, secure, and enjoy without any fear. If your heart still isn’t set on letting kids use TikTok, consider using an alternative before it’s gone.
Last but not least, the best and most trustworthy option is your proper guidance. Always stay ahead, get involved, and don’t be worried to educate them about setting healthy boundaries.
FAQs:
Are there any limitations on underage kids on TikTok?
Yes, TikTok only allows users to create an account that is at least 13 years old. However, age verification remains challenging, and children with falsified dates of birth can easily access TikTok.
Can I see what appeared on kids’ tiktok fyp?
Yes, with TikTok’s default safety features, users can filter content and enable restrictive mode to guarantee that inappropriate content is not shown to kids. Additionally, family sharing and extra tools like TheOneSpy, OgyMogy, and FonSee ensure the safe use of TikTok.
What should I do if my kids face bullying on TikTok?
Open communication with them and tell them not to reply. Use the TikTok block and report option. Encourage them to face it bravely and seek help from technical teams if needed.
Can TikTok become a safer option for kids?
Generally, no app is 100% secure to use. You need to implement appropriate surveillance with a third-party tool that is secure and provides an in-depth examination of TikTok. With this, it is possible to keep your TikTok space safe.
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