TikTok is reported to have 1.53 billion users across the world in 2023. So, with this success in mind, it’s no surprise that parents are asking questions about the TikTok safety practices for their kids when engaging on the popular app.

TikTok has recently been fined a staggering $15.9 million (£12.7 million) for its data protection breaches. This includes misusing the personal data of children under the age of 13, without prior consent from their parental figures.

In fact, 1.4 million children under the age of 13 were thought to have used the social media app in 2020, despite 13 years old being the minimum age.

Cybersecurity experts vpnoverview.com have examined the ways parents can continue to protect children and teenager’s privacy online considering this breaking news.

How to practice TikTok safety

  1. Discover parental control apps

Parental controls automatically filter what children can access, restrict the times they can use the internet, and allow parents to monitor their online activity. There are multiple options available, including Norton Family.

  1. Educate children

The internet has become a common part of contemporary living. So, it’s not always a good idea to simply ban children from going online. They might use social media while they’re at school, visiting friends, or on holiday. It’s best to educate them on cybersecurity from a young; age; nothing can replace the power of open dialogue.

  1. Openness and honesty

There’s no denying that openness and honesty are the best policies. If parents are comfortable with their children using social media, they can enforce rules that only let them use it in communal spaces and with shared passwords. This way, they’re able to keep an eye on their online activities, and rest easy knowing they’re being taken care of.

  1. Built-in privacy settings
  • Built-in ISP:More often than not, internet service providers (ISPs) will come with a built-in parental control option. This is usually a simple keyword filtering option, so parents can block websites and inappropriate content. Parents can enable this by contacting them directly.
  • Built-in operating systems: The device’s operating system will also have built-in parental controls. Plus, these are usually more effective – and free! The method of activating this will depend on whether it is an Android, Windows 10, or macOS. Read our step-by-step guide here.

How to optimize the security settings on TikTok   

To ensure TikTok is safe for children, parents can keep an eye on their children’s usage and optimize the security settings on their account. To get started, click on the three lines at the top right-hand corner of the app, press on Privacy, and look out for these three things.

  1. Discoverability
  • Private account:Turn on this option if the child is under 18. It ensures that only approved users can follow their account and watch their videos.
  • Suggest your account to others: If this option is turned on, TikTok will be able to store additional data belonging to children. This could include their phone number, Facebook information, contact details, and data on their internet activities.
  • Sync contacts and Facebook friends: This will give TikTok access to the contacts on the child’s device or Facebook.
  1. Personalization and data

Here, parents can determine how the social media app uses their child’s data to deliver targeted advertisements. If these options are activated, TikTok and its third-party business partners will be able to track a child’s internet activity and show them targeted ads.

  1. TikTok Safety

Finally, one of the best ways to keep children and teenagers safe online is to reduce their contact with strangers and harmful content. These safety features determine how others can interact with children on the platform.

  • Downloads: If a TikTok account is set to private, this is automatically turned off and others cannot download their videos.
  • Comments: This allows parents to choose who can comment on their child’s videos, approve comments before they become visible, and filter out offensive words.
  • Following List, Duet, Stitch: Parents can decide whether people can see their children’s followers and activity. It will also control who can duet with their videos (show content side-by-side), and stitch their videos (add multiple videos together). To control how people interact with their page and content, change the privacy settings to “Friends,” “Followers,” or “Only Me.”
  •  Direct Messages: This allows parents to choose who can send their child direct messages. The options are “Friends” or “No one.” However, depending on their age, direct messages may not be available.

 

A spokesperson from VPN Overview has commented: “In recent news, TikTok has been fined $15.9 million for its improper usage of data belonging to children under the age of 13-years-old. Instead, the app should have taken the necessary steps to ensure its users were of age.

“Social media poses multiple threats to children and teenagers, from inappropriate content to cyberbullying. Younger generations may also accidentally download malicious software or fall victim to phishing attacks, leaving their family’s device vulnerable to outside threats.

“In turn, cybersecurity has never been more important. By understanding these threats, parents can continue to protect their children and teenagers against such dangers, including social media’s misuse of data.”

VPN Overview are a dedicated team of cybersecurity and privacy professionals offering guidance on these topics in the most accessible way possible.