TikTok which is a video-sharing social media app has become quite popular not just among adults but also among kids. Owing to its huge success, TikTok has become a sensation across the world ever since its launch in 2016 making it one of the biggest social media platforms on the internet.
As a parent, you might be having several concerns surrounding the usage of TikTok by your kids.
A number of questions might crop up in your mind like – What is the TikTok age requirement? Is it safe for your kids to use the app? and so on.
Well, let us try to discuss all these points in our article below!
What is the age requirement for using TikTok?
The minimum age recommended for using the app to have a full TikTok experience is 13 years.
Well, there is however a way for kids of younger age as well to use the app.
It has to be noted that approval of either the parent or guardian is needed for anyone below 18 years to use the app.
Can kids below 13 years use TikTok?
Wondering if kids under 13 can use the app, the answer is YES. TikTok provides a section exclusively for kids under 13 that is coupled with additional safety and privacy features.
Under this section, kids are allowed to access only curated and clean content. Also, they are not allowed to search or post any videos. Kids cannot even add their comments.
But due to these missing features, kids who do not find the app impressive can even provide their false date of birth. This section of TikTok is available only in the US which was introduced back in 2019 following Tiktok’s settlement with the Federal Trade Commission for child privacy violations from TikTok’s predecessor, Musical.ly.
Is TikTok safe for Kids?
This is the biggest question that almost every parent has as any social media platform cannot ensure complete safety and it is accompanied by its own risks unless used under adult supervision.
There are three different rules set by TikTok for different age groups.
- TikTok users under 13 have access to curated content and they can’t comment or upload their own videos.
- For kids falling in the age group of 13-15, accounts are set to private by default. However, friends are allowed to comment. Also, other users are not allowed to duet with your videos. (With TikTok’s duet feature, two users who are at different places can perform a duet, provided they follow each other on the platform).
- Users who are 16 years and above have access to live-stream and direct messaging. Those who are above 18 years are allowed to buy, send, or receive virtual gifts.
There are also some other tools offered by TikTok so that parents can keep a check on the time spent by their kids as well as the content they see.
Parents can opt for Restricted Mode in order to keep their kids away from mature content. They can also use Family Safety Mode so as to pair their account with their kid’s account and then have complete control over settings.
Recently, TikTok has released new community guidelines for its content creators to promote a safe and secure environment on its platform. Check them out here.
