As you may have noticed over the past few years, new social media platforms seem to crop up overnight—and they aren’t inherently dangerous by design. TikTok, in particular, is a popular platform that allows users to connect with each other, creatively mix video and music to share updates, and take part in “challenges.”
However, TikTok has also become a growing concern for parents wondering what steps they can take to keep their children safe.
Here are a few things to know if your children are on TikTok:
Read Up on the Rules
To start with, TikTok states that only users aged 13 or older can create an account. This helps parents establish an immediate boundary for younger children who may want to join. Users under the age of 18 are subject to different privacy settings, which are generally designed to make it harder for unapproved users to find and interact with your child’s account.
Exercise Parental Control
There’s a comprehensive TikTok Guardian’s Guide that’s worth bookmarking. Talk with your child about your expectations for their social media use and set up Family Pairing. This feature allows you to monitor who is interacting with your child and set screen time limits to ensure that both videos and homework get done.
Talk About (Not To) Strangers
Much of the fun of social media comes from interaction (and the potential 15 minutes of fame). However, not every stranger can be trusted, and predators exist on all platforms. Monitoring who is commenting on your child’s videos is just the start. Have open conversations about appropriate and inappropriate interactions, and consider limiting duets and commenting permissions to create safer boundaries.
Be a Follower
If you have a TikTok account, following your child’s profile allows you to monitor their posts and interactions in real time. Staying in touch with trending content (and memes) also helps you have relevant conversations about TikTok use and online safety.
Know the Challenges
Following your child’s account also gives you insight into TikTok’s viral challenges. Some are harmless—like dance trends set to popular songs—while others can be risky or dangerous. Stay informed about new trends so you can discuss any safety concerns with your child.
Ask Them to Share
Encouraging your child to share the videos they watch or find entertaining can create opportunities for meaningful conversations. While it’s impossible to shield them from all objectionable content, using their experiences as a starting point for discussions on topics like mental health, bullying, racism, and violence can be valuable.
Stay Up to Date
Did you know you can actually follow TikTok on TikTok? Doing so helps you stay informed about trending topics and challenges. You can also check TikTok’s Newsroom for updates on privacy settings that may impact who can access your child’s content.