TikTok warning for parents: 5 steps to keep children safe on app after safety fears and ban by governments

Tiktok has exploded in popularity around the world, especially amongst young people thanks to its user-friendly design and never-ending supply of engaging content. However, TikTok’s meteoric rise to fame has also brought to light concerns about the platform’s safety concerning children.

The popular video-sharing platform, which has over a billion active users worldwide, is also facing growing controversy for its data collection policies. The concerns have resulted in the app being banned in government settings including the UK, France, the Netherlands and Norway.

Last Thursday (March 23), TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testified before the US congress over the app’s national security threats and its connection to China, where he attempted to dispel concerns over the app’s ties to the government in Beijing and its alleged inability to stem “harmful” content.

With a quarter of users aged between 10 and 19, parents in particular are also growing increasingly concerned about keeping their children safe on the platform amidst news warning not only of how TikTok is using personal data but the addictive nature of the app’s design.

Therefore, Manny Athwal, the founder of UK’s largest coding school, School of Coding, has shared a safety guide for parents to help them understand the potential risks and the steps they can take to help keep children safe on TikTok.

5 steps to protect children from TikTok’s potential risks

1. Age restrictions - TikTok may not be suitable for anyone younger than 13.

“First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the app, much like other social media platforms, has an age-rating of 13+. While we all know that children much younger than that are using the app, the age rating does reflect the fact that content shared on TikTok may not be suitable for anyone younger than 13 so this is something that parents should take into consideration.