TikTok - Real Short Videos

Parents need to know that TikTok is a social network for sharing user-generated music videos. It used to be called musical.ly. Users can create and upload videos, remix others' work, or browse content created by other users and by famous recording artists. However, as of 2019, in response to an FTC settlement, there's a separate section of the app for users under 13. That experience only lets users view curated videos: They can't comment, search, or post their own videos, and their data isn't collected. Because access to that area only requires the user to enter a birth date, the app is still recommended for older teens. Because the app employs popular music, expect swearing and sexual content in the songs. Though videos viewed during the review process contained only some tight and revealing clothing, some families have encountered sexually suggestive or even explicit material.

The Digital Well-Being settings allow parents to set two-hour screen-time limits with the app (locked with a password), and a new Restricted Mode (also password-protected) can help filter out inappropriate content. As of 2020, there's a Family Safety Mode feature that lets parents link their own account to their kid's to control time limits and Restricted Mode, and it lets parents disable direct messages as well. Parents can also control who can leave comments, turn off search, and disallow users from seeing which videos their kid has liked. If a kid unpairs the account, the parent gets an alert. Note that kids can get around these controls by setting up a new account. Settings allow users to share their videos with friends or the general public, but setting accounts to Private does nothing to eliminate previously obtained followers. For kids 13-15, the privacy default setting is private, only friends can comment on videos, and other users can't us the Duet or Stitch features with their videos. Also, only users 16 and older can livestream and use direct messaging. Creators can control which comments go live on their videos, and commenters will see a pop-up box to rethink a comment that may be unkind, determined by keywords. Users 18 and older can buy, send, and receive virtual gifts. Parents should note that the app has its own celebrities, and kids may use it in hopes of becoming famous. Finally, users cannot delete accounts themselves and must request a delete code from the developers after submitting their phone number. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kid's) information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change. Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you have the right to protect your personal information. Make a Do Not Sell request to TikTok.