E-Safety Tip for Parents: Understanding the Risks of TikTok
TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms amongst children, allowing users to create and share short videos. While it can be a fun and creative outlet, it also comes with risks that parents should be aware of.
Did You Know? TikTok has an age restriction of 13 years old according to its terms of service. However, it’s easy for children to sign up with a false date of birth, meaning many younger users are accessing the platform without appropriate safeguards.
The Risks
· Inappropriate Content: Although TikTok has content moderation, unsuitable videos can still appear.
· Contact with Strangers: The platform allows users to comment and send direct messages, posing a risk of unwanted contact.
· Peer Pressure and Trends: Some viral challenges can be unsafe, encouraging risky behaviour.
· Privacy Concerns: Children may unintentionally share personal information in their videos.
TikTok, while popular amongst children, has been linked to several real-life incidents that highlight significant safety concerns. Here are some notable cases:
1. Dangerous Challenges Leading to Harm
· "Blackout Challenge": This challenge encourages individuals to asphyxiate themselves until they lose consciousness. Tragically, it has been associated with multiple fatalities amongst young users. For instance, in April 2022, 14-year-old Jools from the UK died after attempting this challenge.
2. Exposure to Harmful Content
· Suicide-Related Videos: Families have reported that TikTok's algorithm exposed their children to content promoting self-harm and suicide. In France, several families are suing TikTok, alleging that the platform's harmful content contributed to their children's suicides.
3. Cyberbullying and Harassment
· Public Shaming Accounts: In Sydney, over 200 TikTok accounts were shut down after they were found to be publicly shaming female students from local schools. These accounts posted derogatory content, leading to increased concerns about cyberbullying on the platform.
4. Inappropriate Contact
· Online Predation: In a concerning case, a 31-year-old man was charged with coercing a 9-year-old girl into sharing explicit images after initiating contact on TikTok and continuing communication on Roblox. This highlights the risk of predators using social media platforms to exploit minors.
These incidents underscore the importance of parental vigilance and open communication with children about their online activities. Ensuring that privacy settings are appropriately configured, discussing the dangers of online challenges, and fostering an environment where children feel comfortable reporting concerning content or interactions can help mitigate these risks.
How You Can Help
Here are some practical steps to keep your child safe on TikTok:
· Check the Age: Ensure your child is at least 13 years old before using the app
· Set Up Privacy Settings: Enable a private account so only approved followers can see their videos.
· Enable Family Pairing: TikTok offers a Family Pairing feature that allows parents to manage screen time, restrict content, and monitor messaging.
· Talk About Online Behaviour: Have regular conversations about what’s appropriate to share and how to handle uncomfortable situations.
· Monitor Activity: Consider co-viewing content and asking your child to show you their favourite creators and trends.
By staying informed and involved, you can help your child navigate TikTok safely.
