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If you’re a concerned parent debating whether or not to let your child or teen use TikTok, you’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know in order to make an informed policy decision on TikTok—and other social media apps as well.
Is TikTok Safe?
TikTok is a wildly popular app in the US and abroad, with over one billion users worldwide. Partly because of this, and partly because it’s owned by Chinese parent company ByteDance, the US government is concerned that China could coerce shareholders to give their government American users’ personal data under Chinese Communist Party Laws. This could make the US vulnerable to Chinese surveillance or election interference, a concern heightened by existing tensions between the two nations.
As a result, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has threatened to ban TikTok in the US unless Chinese ByteDance stockholders sell their shares of the app.
Is TikTok Safe for Kids?
Until CFIUS reaches a decision (and unless the app is banned), it’s essential that parents make thoughtful decisions regarding if and how their children should use TikTok. But there’s good news: if you’re a parent who strongly opposes TikTok use, there are plenty of other ways to keep your kids socially engaged and digitally safe. If you don’t want to be a parental version of CFIUS, there are ways to minimize your child’s risk factors on the app.
6 TikTok Settings You Can Use To Protect Your Child
TikTok offers 6 security settings that can help protect your kids from internet dangers. Many other social media apps have similar settings, so it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with them:
Family pairing. Family pairing lets you connect your child’s account with your own, which gives you parental controls over how your child can use the app.
Private account. Setting your child’s account to “private” allows only approved followers to access their videos.
Restricted mode. Restricted mode helps to keep adult or inappropriate content from appearing in your child’s feed.
Comment filters. Comment filters let you choose who can comment on your child’s videos.
Direct messages. Direct messages settings let you choose who can contact your child directly on the app.
Daily screen time. This setting lets you limit how long your child can use the app. When their time’s up, they’ll be locked out of the account until your parental password is entered.
Teach Kids Safe Tech Use With Net Positive
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens and leaders. We accomplish this by providing evidence-based programs with a focus on those that improve academic engagement, build character, and improve healthy behaviors.
Our Net Positive Program educates K-12 students about digital safety, health, citizenship, and leadership. After participating in our program, students are 97% better prepared to face internet dangers. Contact us to learn more and ask your school to schedule a Net Positive Presentation, or support us with your donation today!
References
Fung, Brian. “Biden Administration Demands TikTok's Chinese Owners Spin off Their Share or Face US Ban | CNN Business.” CNN, Cable News Network, 16 Mar. 2023,
Nspcc. “Is TikTok Safe for Children?” NSPCC, https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/online-safety-blog/child-safe-settings-tiktok/.