Available in more than 154 countries, the popular video-sharing app TikTok was made for users from the age of 13 and above.
When an app's threshold age is as early as adolescence, it's no wonder things might get out of hand sometimes.
If you're a teenager's parent, you are probably aware of this video creating-app where the users lip-sync and dance along to viral songs.
Since this app is so trending, no wonder why you, as a parent, worry whether this app is safe for your kids? Or rather, is it putting them in danger?
What you Need to Know as a Parent
Whether your child is a TikTok influencer boasting a hundred thousands of followers, or if they use it just for fun, you should be aware of the general vibe going on the app.
Kids Are Prone To Encounter Inappropriate Content
Although you can easily filter out spam, offensive, or inappropriate videos and even block certain accounts, it is still possible that some people can bypass these filters, resulting in your children's becoming exposed to inappropriate content.
Predators
Nobody can know the true intentions of a person across the screen.
All sorts of people are using TikTok and can be a threat to your kid.
Posting a public video on TikTok means that everyone can view it.
Predators can praise your kid for their content to strike a conversation.
The most you can do is to set your kid's account to private so that only followers can view their videos.
Kids May Get Anxious While Using TikTok
TikTok is an app where people get famous based on the content they create.
Teenagers are in a phase where they want to prove themselves, and they might go to any extent for it, namely doing hazardous stunts and tricks.
The layer of pressure getting many likes is even more damaging if they're not getting likes on their videos, and can lead to depression and an overall feeling of failure.
Crazy Challenges
Although TikTok challenges are fun most of the time, they could easily get out of hand and cause injuries; for example, the Kiki challenge, or drinking coke followed by Mentos.
Cyber Bullying
Like other social media platforms, there are social media bullies around TikTok too.
If someone makes a video that isn't up to the mark, people start calling it 'cringe' and use the reaction feature to make fun of it.
These bullies never realize how it might affect the other person, especially if they encourage many people to react to the original video after them.
Wrapping Up
TikTok is an addictive and creative app that could only be fun for your child if used appropriately, without the negative parts. As a parent, you must have your child aware of the app's dangers and the importance of their privacy.