As with most social networks in its category, TikTok requires those wishing to open an account to have reached a certain age. minimum age.
What is therequired age for using the TikTok application? And why has the platform taken this initiative with regard to user identity? What role does a parent or guardian have in the child or adolescent protection on TikTok? We answer these questions in this article.
From what age can one create an account on TikTok?
Certainly, TikTok is an application that children and teenagers love for its features, which give them a sense of freedom, due to the following elements:
- Content, especially videos, that look less superficial unlike other social networks.
- The popularity of TikTok in the whole world.
- A platform where they can meet other young people their own age, etc.
Nevertheless,
- TikTok users must have at least 13 years old (a constraint that is not new to other social media applications) before being able to access the platform's functionalities.
- You must have at least 18 years old before you can make a Live on this social network.
- A support for parents for children and teenagers under 18.
TikTok has also resorted to a massive closure of 7.2 million accounts belonging to minors under the age of 13 in 2021.
Why is TikTok forbidden to children under 13?
TikTok had to implement this procedure to guarantee security and confidentiality of its underage users, who are much more vulnerable and easier to influence. In fact, some members have been exposed via this platform to harmful practices for their young age (of which they are certainly unaware).
- TikTok then instituted a rule requiring all its users to confirm their age and their identity before creating an account. This was done to prevent this type of incident from happening again.
- This approach allows the app's system to show minors, through their accounts, only the content, videos and information that are the most appropriate for them. better suited to them.
- The confidentiality of information and data of the minor will also be guaranteed.
If you don't know how to use this social network, discover our introductory guide to TikTok.
What are the dangers for children using TikTok?
In the digital age, watching video funny videos on TikTokPosting a photo or video with your friends has become an unavoidable trend among young teenagers and children.
However, as with all social media platforms, the use of the TikTok application is subject to certain restrictions. negative aspects that minors are unable to recognize. In this case, on TikTok, children can view and possibly download information or content relating to :
- Violence.
- Politics.
- Sexual content.
- Of cyberstalking.
- Pedophilia, etc.
For this purpose,
- Pre-teens and teenagers can quickly become become dependent and not be able to use the application in a healthy and moderate way.
- TikTok's social network is also a refuge for inappropriate acts that sometimes have a direct impact on their lives. mental health.
FAQs
What steps should parents take to protect children on TikTok?
He returns parents or guardians ensure that children are not confronted with undesirable situations while browsing this social network. It is vital to monitor them more closely and help them filter the content suggested to them online:
- Some application settings can be activated for this purpose. In fact, TikTok features can be used to block certain potentially dangerous content for children and teenagers. Find out more how to choose your Pour Toi TikTok in our article on the subject.
- Using a monitoring application can also be of interest to the parent or guardian. This type of tool makes it possible to keep an eye on activities of young people on TikTok to monitor the information to which they have access through the videos they watch.
- Communicate openly with the child or teenager to establish a relationship of trust between you, and avoid the secrecy that can be dangerous on social networks.
The videos that young people and children post on TikTok are also elements that need to be closely monitored to avoid any worries about their online security. Indeed, the protection of data and information on social networks is essential, especially for those who are not old enough to recognize the dangers in the digital world.
What types of content are blocked or restricted for young users?
For TikTok users between the ages of 13 and 17, please note the following:
- Limiting the child's exposure to inappropriate content (violence, nudity).
- Ban on direct messages for under-16s.
- Private accounts by default for under-16s.
- No live broadcasts under the age of 18 and restrictions on purchases and gifts virtual.
What happens if a user has lied about their age?
TikTok can ban account if the platform discovers that the user has lied about their age. The user will then receive a push notification and an in-app notification of the ban as soon as they launch the app.
What are the alternatives to TikTok?
Among the alternatives to TikTok ideal for young people:
- YouTube Kids.
- Zigazoo.
- Kidoz.
- Funimate.
In conclusion,
- Whether you're a guardian or a parent, the ideal is to keeping an eye on the kids and their online activities on TikTok to ensure their protection if they have not yet reached the age of 18.
- Monitoring applicationWhether it's changing the settings on TikTok or simply having a chat to build trust, any means is good as long as you can guarantee your child's safety on the social network.
- However, preserving the child safety is not limited to access to TikTok, but to all social networks and potentially dangerous content on the Web.
Tell us what you think about this restriction imposed by TikTok about the age required to access the platform's functionalities. Please also tell us what means you use to protect yourself or to protect children on social networks!
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