There’s no denying it. TikTok has become one of the most popular social platforms out there. With over a billion global users and millions of people using it as a search engine, it’s no wonder the video-sharing platform is getting so much airtime.
Having shaken its original reputation as a platform for group dance videos, TikTok content now represents thousands of topics, including learning and education. But, with Safer Internet Day on 7 February, and lots of parents and guardians understandably concerned about online safety, it’s an important time to think about the effect these digital platforms have on teens.
So, whether you’re looking to learn more or you just want to help keep your teen safe and happy, we’ve answered all the biggest questions in this parents’ guide to TikTok.
So, what exactly is TikTok?
TikTok is a video-sharing platform where you can watch and create short videos. Think of it like a bite-size Youtube. Anyone can create and upload and the most popular content taps into users’ creativity and self-expression. Think dancing, lip-syncing, comedy sketches and live recipes.
Once you’re signed up, users can browse and find different videos on their personalised feed (similar to Instagram) known as the ‘For You Page’. This is powered by an algorithm that feeds you a selection of videos based on your interests and what you like watching.
You can also search for content using specific topics or hashtags, like #BookTok (a space for book lovers to discuss the books they’re currently loving).
The platform launched #LearnOnTikTok in 2020. There are now millions of short lessons and how-tos to choose from. So, whether you want to learn a new language, how to draw or solve a Maths equation, TikTok can help you level up too.
How safe is the platform?
While TikTok can be a hub of inspiration and creativity, the open nature of the platform and the algorithm that constantly serves you new content, means that children and teens can come cross inappropriate videos.
And, like any other social media platform, TikTok can have both a positive and negative affect on teens’ mental health. The endless content and unfiltered nature of the videos can make it addictive.
That said, TikTok has minimum age requirements and safety settings that can be reviewed and changed to help keep users safe. You have to be at least 13-years-old to sign up for an account. All accounts created by 13-16-year-olds are set to private as default. For users who are under 18, TikTok applies an AI filter to help block explicit or inappropriate content.
If in doubt, you can review the safety and community settings to make sure they’re set up correctly. The platform also has a helpful Safety Centre with practical guides, including this guide for guardians with safety advice and resources. You can also check out the MyTutor online safety guide with advice for staying safe on all social platforms.
The big positives of TikTok
It can help with learning and studying
The platform is a great, accessible hub for learning – there are plenty of fun learning accounts like MathsWith Miss Chang, Physics Dude and even MyTutor where our tutors offer bitesize tips and lessons.
It can be very entertaining
TikTok offers endless content that’s funny and joyful, so it can be a helpful outlet in moderation if your teen is going through a tough or stressful time.
It can create a sense of community
Your teen can collaborate and create content like group dances with their friends face-to-face. But they can also tap into communities and cultures digitally that they might not have otherwise come across.
It can help teens build their tech skills
If they create as well as watch content, they can learn helpful skills like how to edit videos and even how to create a personal brand (helpful if they have their sights on a creative career).
The things to look out for on TikTok
It can share inappropriate content
Users who are under 18 shouldn’t be shown videos that include adult topics, but they may still be exposed to videos that include explicit songs.
It can allow strangers to connect with teens
The private message and comment feature means that strangers can reach out to young people. You can set up security settings to limit this.
It can have a negative effect on teens’ mental health
Having access to endless content can make the platform addictive and we know that too much screen time can have a negative effect on anyone’s wellbeing.
Like Instagram and Facebook, users can also share content that’s been filtered or exaggerated, setting unrealistic beauty and body standards. This can affect teens’ confidence and self-esteem. Similarly, it can be used to share misinformation or extreme views on topics like misogyny.
Tips for getting the most out of TikTok, while staying safe
There are some simple steps you can take to help protect your teens’ safety and wellbeing on the platform.
1. Check the privacy settings
When your teen signs up (or if they already have), make sure their account is set to private so that only approved followers can watch their videos. You can also set the ‘restricted mode’ feature to help filter out inappropriate videos, as well as comment and direct message filters.
2. Use TikTok Family Pairing
This feature allows you to connect your teen’s account with your own. You can access parental controls to help manage who they speak to and how long they spend on the platform. It’s worth explaining to your teen how and why this can help keep them safe.
3. Learn how to report content or users
Get familiar with TikTok’s community guidelines together, so you know what is and isn’t accepted on the platform. This will also help you and your teen know when to report inappropriate or harmful content, and you can report this to TikTok here.
4. Have regular, open conversations
Talking about the range of social content out there can help your teen feel confident sharing thow certain content makes them feel. Help them to become ‘Share Aware’ by talking about who may see their posts, so that they can protect themselves.
5. Talk to them about cyberbullying
Teen may come across negative comments. Remind them that they can talk to you or a trusted adult if they’re receiving unkind or abusive messages, and to speak up if they see it happening to others. Simply, being positive and kind to other people applies on social platforms as much as it does in person.
5. Suggest screen time limits
Try to set boundaries with your teen, like no phones in bed or at the dinner table. By modelling healthy screen habits yourself, you can help teach them to do the same.
6. Encourage them to explore their passions in person
If your teen loves the group dance videos or is tuning into the drawing or language lessons, you could help them to find classes or social groups that relate to their passions.
Tips for parents on how to use TikTok
TikTok is definitely not just for teens. The niche topics and communities extend far and wide, so there really is something for everyone to watch and create.
To get started, sign up and set the privacy and account settings you want. If you’re not ready to be a creator, you can just find and browse videos straight away on the ‘For You’ feed. Or tap the right-hand corner to search. The strip on the right side allows you to comment and share.
Ready to make your own videos, and potentially gain a lot of respect (or embarrassment), from your teen? You can record and edit your video directly in the app. Videos tend to be short but can be up to 10 minutes. If you want to add music, just tap the ‘Add Sound’ button to choose from lots of music snippets, and there are filters and special effects (similar to Instagram) to choose from too. Have a read of the community guidelines if you get stuck.
So, whether it’s helping your teen feel happy and safe when using TikTok or the inspiration you needed to start exploring yourself, hopefully, our guide has given you a solid understanding of how to get the best out of TikTok. Good luck out there, TikTokers!
Read more advice from us about keeping teens safe online.