TikTok’s Family Pairing feature: Here’s how to keep your children safe
As more and more people take to social media platforms, parents are worried about the safety of their children online. TikTok is stepping up to make a difference.
To access the Screen Time Management tool:
- From the “Privacy and setting” page tap “Digital Wellbeing”
- Tap “Screen Time Management”
- Choose your desired time limit and tap the red button at the bottom
Screen Time Management
Parents will be able to control exactly how long their kids spend on TikTok. In addition, the platform also partners with top creators who will be sharing short videos to encourage
Control how long your teen can spend on TikTok each day. In addition, TikTok has partnered with top creators to make short videos that appear right in the app. These videos encourage users “to keep tabs on their screen time”.
As per TikTok’s press release, these fun videos “use the upbeat tone that TikTok users love while offering a suggestion to take a break and do something offline, like read a book”.
Restricted Mode
Parents will have the ability to restrict the appearance of content which ma be inappropriate for younger viewers. This feature is already available, without having Family Pairing available.
However, by coupling the Restricted Mode with Screen Time Managements, parents will be in full control of the app’s Digital Wellbeing tools. These settings can be adjusted at any time.
Direct Messages
Parents will also be able to limit who can send direct messages to the connected account, or turn off direct messaging altogether. This is especially vital for younger users who may be easily influenced by a stranger online.
“Starting 30 April 2020, TikTok will be taking those protections one step further as relates to younger members of its community; and automatically disabling Direct Messages for registered accounts under the age of 16”.
The TikTok team explains that many users “start their creator journey at 13 and are introduced to a wider array of app options for download; making it a critical time for teens and their families to learn about digital literacy”.
TikTok encourages responsible online behaviour
In addition to teaching teens and parents about smart online behaviour, the Family Pairing feature also offers a number of resources to support users on this journey. These resources include:
- Educational safety videos
- Parental guides, such as the Top Ten Tips for Parents.
- TikTok’s Community Guidelines.
Parents are encouraged to discuss the Community Guidelines with their children. By doing that, both parties will better understand what responsible community behaviour looks like.
Furthermore, it will also teach young users and their parents how to identify and report content that may be in violation; and what it means to be positive digital community members.