TikTok has been one of the most popular social media platforms over the last few years, with billions of users worldwide sharing their unique and creative content every day. While the app offers a fun and engaging experience, it also raises significant concerns about the safety of its users, especially teens.
However, the platform has been taking steps to prioritize the well-being of its community by implementing safety policies and features. These are some of the latest ways TikTok adds to enforce safety for its teen users:
Parental Control and Screen Time Management
TikTok recognizes that many parents are concerned about how much time their teens spend on the app, and they have added options for parental control and screen time management. Parents must create a TikTok account and link it to their child’s account to access these features.
Ganee/ Pexels | Tiktok’s new privacy update confirms staff across the world access your data.
They can then limit their child’s daily usage and restrict access to mature content. These tools help parents monitor and manage their children’s online activities and ensure they are safe and responsible on the app.
Enhanced Privacy Settings
Privacy is crucial on any social media platform, particularly for teens vulnerable to cyberbullying, harassment, or grooming. To address these concerns, TikTok has implemented enhanced privacy settings.
Users can make their accounts private, limiting who can view their content and sending them direct messages. They can also restrict comments, hide specific videos, and block followers. TikTok also displays general guidance on staying safe on the platform and being aware of potential risks.
DG/ TikTok | TikTok is an extremely popular social media video app owned by the Chinese tech company ByteDance.
Community Guidelines and Content Moderation
TikTok has strict community guidelines that govern the type of content users can post and how they can engage with one another. The app uses automated moderation tools and human reviewers to identify and remove any content or behavior that violates its policies.
This includes hate speech, nudity, violence, and harmful or dangerous acts. Users can report inappropriate behavior, and TikTok will act against the offending account. The platform’s content moderation system is proactive in terms of identifying potential issues, and it updates its policies regularly to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Digital Literacy and Wellness Resources
TikTok also recognizes the importance of educating users on how to stay safe and healthy while using the app. The platform provides various resources and tools to promote digital literacy and wellness.
This includes online safety guides, tips for dealing with cyberbullying, and resources for users struggling with mental health issues. TikTok has also partnered with mental health and digital well-being experts to create content that promotes positive habits and reduces potential harm.
DEXERT/ TIKTOK | TikTok strives to be open and transparent about how they collect and process their users’ information
Partnership With Third-Party Safety Organizations
Finally, TikTok has partnered with several third-party organizations to enhance its safety policies and practices. For example, the app has partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to identify and report potentially illegal behavior.
They also work with the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) to develop and implement responsible privacy practices and policies. These partnerships help TikTok stay informed about emerging risks and best practices in online safety so they can proactively take action.
