TIK TOK

TIK TOK

MINIMUM AGE: 13+
 
WHAT IS IT?
A social media app for videos, music and livestreams from around the world. A personal video feed based on what you watch, like and share. 

WHAT WE SAY:
Treat with caution. 

For those over 13, but discuss safety tips with children.

• Positive news Tik Tok as of January 2021 has formed a partnership with Common Sense Networks to provide additional guidance on the appropriateness of content for children under 13 as they work to create an enjoyable and safe viewing experience.
• Just watching other people's  videos there is very little danger. However, recently there has been more inappropriate content shared via this app. The videos that appear on the users account is a personalised feed based on what the user watches, likes and shares. 
• Users can live-stream videos. This does pose a risk of sharing personal information online. Therefore children and young people should be made aware of what should and should not be shared online. Personal information includes photos and videos. 
• Users can also send DM (Direct Messages). This needs to be monitored by the parent or carer. 
• Working with children and young people - then download our 'Safety Feature' poster explaining the safety features for parents and carers. 

SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:
Tik Tok has higher default standards for users under 18, these include:

• Restricting direct messaging and hosting live streams to accounts 16 and over.
• Restricting the buying, sending, and receiving of virtual gifts to users 18 and over.
• Enabling parents and caregivers to set guardrails on their teen’s TikTok experience through our Family Pairing features.

• Default privacy setting for all registered accounts ages 13-15 are set to private.
• With a private TikTok account, only someone who the user approves as a follower can view their videos.
• Users aged 13-15 can now choose between Friends or No One for their account; the Everyone comment setting is being removed.
• Duet and Stitch settings are features available on content created by users age 16 and over only. For users ages 16-17, the default setting for Duet and Stitch is set to Friends.
• Downloads of videos can only be created by users 16 and over only. Other users can decide whether they want to allow downloads of their videos, though for users ages 16-17 the default setting is ‘Off’ unless they decide to enable it.
• Setting "Suggest your account to others" to Off by default for users ages 13-15.

• Family Pairing lets families link their child's account to their TikTok account to help manage their safety.
• This feature allows the adult to manage: 
• Screen Time Management: how long your child can spend on TikTok each day.
• Direct Messages: who can send messages to your child’s account or turn off direct messages completely.
• Restricted Mode: restrict certain types of content and switch off the search function. 
• Privacy Settings: decide whether your child's account is private or public. 
• Disable Comments: switch off comments on your child's post or set them to friends only. 
• Search: decide whether your child can search for content, users, hashtags, or sounds.
• Liked Videos: decide who can see the videos your child likes on TikTok.

 

• Show children and young people how to 'report' by going to settings and click 'report a problem'. You can block another user by going to their profile and clicking 'block'.
• Explain the risks associated with streaming a live video to an unknown audience - personal information could be shared.
• ​Live videos can receive responses which can mean that inappropriate content can be sent - ask children and young people to talk to you about anything that worries them on or offline​.
• Also make sure they use their device in a room whereby adults at home are present.
• Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. 

FURTHER SUPPORT:
For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. 

If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. 

If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. 

For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. 

Check out our Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips.

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