TikTok is the most popular app among the youth of today, but many speculate on the security and safety of the app. Kids love doing TikTok trends by themselves as well as with their parents, and can easily spend hours every day watching TikTok videos.
It’s important, now more than ever, to ensure that both us, and our children are being safe on TikTok.
According to IOL, “TikTok is encouraging its own community to brush up on their in-app safety knowledge as well as update their settings where necessary. Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s Head of Public Policy in Africa, said, “TikTok is all about having fun and sharing lighthearted moments with friends or others around the world. “To foster a space where creativity can thrive, the platform has been designed to safeguard the wellbeing of everyone in its community through various in-app safety features. “We are always looking for ways to improve our current safety features and are continuously introducing new ones to help users feel comfortable.”
Here are a few tips on how to make sure that safety protocols are being adhered to:
1. Reporting and blocking is vital
Always report anything and everything that seems like it would go against community guidelines (i.e nudity, fowl language, illegalities, etc.) Make sure to report and block anyone on the app that is bullying, harassing or influencing yourself and others negatively.
2. Privacy is key
You can make your account private, so that people can only request to follow you. You can choose who can find your account, message you or even comment on your videos. You can ensure that No One or Friends Only can see, stitch or duet your videos. Videos of users under the age of 16 should not be able to be downloaded.
3. Parental control
Parents are able to use TikTok to monitor and control how their child makes use of the platform via Family Pairing.
TikTok has also ensured that it shares educational safety content via its platform, videos and other articles. Have fun on TikTok but make sure that you’re using any online application with the utmost caution.
