TikTok has taken the world by storm, offering entertainment, trends, recipes, and endless viral videos. With over a billion users globally, the platform has become a hub for teens and young people. But while TikTok can be a fun space, it’s also crucial for parents to stay informed and proactive about online safety.
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Understanding the Risks
Like all social media platforms, TikTok has the potential to expose teens to inappropriate content and negative influences. It’s vital to create a safe digital environment, and that starts with knowing the tools available and how to effectively use them.
Tracy Elizabeth, Head of Family Safety & Developmental Health at TikTok, shared her advice on creating a positive online experience. Tracy emphasized two simple steps for ensuring teen safety: “Know the rules and use the tools.”
Get Involved: “Know the Rules”
The first key to online safety is familiarity. Tracy recommends that parents sign up for TikTok themselves and explore the platform. This helps caregivers understand what their teens experience and engage with them meaningfully. By understanding the app, parents can connect with their teens’ interests and become more in tune with their digital lives.
Utilize Safety Features: “Use the Tools”
One major advantage TikTok offers is its built-in safety tools. For example, the Family Pairing feature allows parents to link their account with their teen’s, enabling them to adjust settings based on family preferences. This feature includes controls for privacy, comments, and even screen time.
Tracy highlights that all TikTok accounts for users aged 13 to 15 are set to private by default, and they can’t access direct messages or receive notifications late at night. Through Family Pairing, parents can customize privacy settings and even manage who can comment or view their teen’s videos.
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Encourage Open Communication
Approaching conversations about online safety with curiosity, not confrontation, is crucial. Tracy suggests using these discussions as an opportunity for bonding, rather than as a point of conflict. Parents can ask their teens about what they’re seeing, how it makes them feel, and encourage the use of safety features. This approach not only strengthens relationships but also promotes a safer digital space.
Setting Screen Time Limits
Screen time is a common concern, but TikTok has introduced measures to help parents manage it. Every account for users under 18 has a default 60-minute daily screen time limit, which parents can adjust as needed. Experts agree that the “right” amount of screen time varies depending on the individual teen’s needs.
Tracy also points out that TikTok can be a creative outlet, allowing teens to make and edit content, which stimulates creativity and can foster a sense of community. It’s essential for parents to recognize the positive side of online interactions while staying mindful of screen time.
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Handling Bullying and Harmful Content
TikTok maintains a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, youth exploitation, and harmful behavior. According to Tracy, the platform has been designed to discourage and combat this type of activity. TikTok actively monitors and removes violating content, terminates accounts, and works with law enforcement when necessary.
Additional Tips for Safety
Parents can take several proactive steps to enhance safety on TikTok:
- Filter comments to keep negative interactions at bay
- Manage privacy settings to control who can interact with or view content
- Report inappropriate content through the platform’s reporting tools
TikTok also offers a bullying prevention guide to help teens and caregivers identify the signs of both online and offline bullying.
Stay Connected for More Safety Tips
Ensuring teens’ safety on TikTok isn’t just about setting rules—it’s about staying connected and informed. By understanding the app, engaging in open conversations, and utilizing safety features, parents can help create a safer and more positive TikTok experience.
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