TikTok

Parents need to know that TikTok is a social network for sharing user-generated videos, most of which feature music and sound effects. Users can also remix others' work and browse content created by other users, including famous recording artists. Since the app features a lot of music, you can expect swearing and sexual content in some songs. Though videos viewed during the review process contained only some tight/revealing clothing, depending on which accounts users follow and what content they like, it's possible to encounter sexually suggestive and explicit material. In-app games such as Sway Stories are playable within the TikTok app and may have mature themes. In 2019, in response to an FTC settlement, the app launched TikTok for Younger Users for users under 13, allowing them to view curated videos but not comment, search, or post their own videos (and their data isn't collected). But because full access to TikTok only requires users to enter a birth date, the app is still recommended for older teens. As of 2020, the app features a Family Safety mode that lets parents link their own account to their kids' and set time limits, place kids' accounts on Restricted mode, and disable direct messages; Digital Well-Being settings offer similar controls. Parents can also control who can leave comments, turn off search, and bar users from seeing which videos their children have 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 let users share their videos with either 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, so only friends can comment, and other users can't use the Duet or Stitch features with their videos. They'll also encounter a pop-up message when they publish their first video confirming who can see their content. Only users 16 and older can livestream and use direct messaging, though their DM setting will be "No One" by default. 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. Finally, to delete an account, users 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 child'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.