A TIKTOK insider has revealed exactly how to get started with parental controls on the app – so you can keep your youngsters as safe as possible.
Speaking exclusively to The Jattvibe, Valiant Richey revealed the top tips and tricks to make the app as safe as possible.
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There are lots of ways for a parent to keep track of their youngster on TikTok Credit: TikTok
You’re also able to adjust the types of topics that your child sees on TikTok Credit: TikTok
Valiant Richey is Global Head of Partnerships for Trust and Safety at TikTok, helping to build the app’s Family Pairing feature.
And in an exclusive Q&A, Richey told The Jattvibe exactly where to look and what to tweak to help protect your kids.
HOW DO PARENTS START WITH TIKTOK?
“Parents don’t have to start from scratch or figure everything out on their own when it comes to their teen’s safety on TikTok,” Richey told us.
“You might be surprised to know that teen accounts on TikTok have more than 50 preset safety, privacy, and security features and settings that are turned on automatically, so their experience is age-appropriate.
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“For example, teens don’t have access to our direct messaging feature until they are 16 or older.
“For parents that want to manage their teen’s experience, we created Family Pairing, which allows parents to tailor their teen’s account settings and gain deeper insight into them based on their individual needs.”
HOW DO I SET UP FAMILY PAIRING?
“Family Pairing lets parents and guardians link their TikTok account with their teen’s account to manage content, privacy, and well-being settings,” Richey explained.
“In the TikTok app, go to your Profile, at the bottom of your screen. Then tap the Menu button icon at the top right hand of your screen, and select Settings and privacy.
“Scroll and tap Family Pairing and then tap Continue.
“Tap Parent, then tap Next and you’ll follow the steps to link the accounts.
You can easily block accounts for your teen Credit: TikTok
TikTok also has a Digital Wellbeing centre to keep track of your usage
“If your teen is there, they can open up Family Pairing using the same steps on their device and scan the QR code to link accounts, or you can send them a link, or search for your teen’s username and they can pair from there.
“Once you’re linked, you can view or adjust numerous settings, like customising daily screen time limits, restricting who can comment on your teens’ videos or even blocking accounts on your teen’s behalf.”
HOW DO I LIMIT SCREEN TIME?
“We know teens can need support in developing a balanced relationship with screen time,” Richey said.
“On top of setting screen time to 60 minutes by default for teens, we also have tools in Family Pairing to support the development of those skills.
“We offer a tool called Time Away, which allows parents to totally block TikTok during certain hours.
“Whether that’s at night, or during school hours or on holiday, parents can stop their teen’s access to TikTok at times they control. If plans change, parents can give their teen access back to the app, but parents have the final say.
“As the father of teenage boys, I’ve found this feature to be really useful in protecting family or study time, while also letting my teens explore TikTok.
“We also offer screen time tools for parents who just want visibility into how their teen is using the app.
“Parents can access their teens’ screen time summaries, so they can get insight into how much time is being spent on TikTok.
“Our emphasis here is on helping teens build up these positive digital habits that they can take with them throughout their lives, just like any other skill.”
HOW DO I CONTROL WHO MY TEEN SPEAKS TO ON TIKTOK?
“We understand this concern and that’s why we believe that the best way to tackle online harm is to prevent it from occurring in the first place,” Richey noted.
“Even without Family Pairing, accounts belonging to teens under 18 are private by default.
“This limits who can follow the account, view their videos, read their bio, and interact with their videos.
“Content from teens under 16 also cannot be downloaded and will not be recommended to people they do not know. Teens under 16 also do not have access to direct messaging.
“In Family Pairing we also give parents the ability to block accounts completely and visibility into who their teen is following on TikTok, and who follows them, along with accounts their teen has blocked.
“We believe that providing parents with visibility into their teen’s network better equipped them to have ongoing conversations with their teens about who they’re interacting with online, so teens can develop those critical digital literacy skills.”
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO USE CONTROLS?
“Every parent has their own approach and comfort level when it comes to digital platforms. It’s so important that parents are active in helping their kids navigate the online world,” Richey advised.
“We encourage families to have regular and ongoing conversations about what they’re doing online and set boundaries and expectations together.
“We know from the experts we work with that conversations are critical, and teens want to be able to turn to a parent or trusted adult if something ever goes wrong.”
TOP ADVICE FOR PARENTS REVEALED
“I often tell parents, ‘know the rules, use the tools’. Don’t be afraid to try these platforms out yourself,” Richey told The Jattvibe.
“Even if you don’t know where to start, ask your teen: “what made you laugh today?” or “who do you like to follow?” or even ask them to help you set up your own account.
“From there, you can use these platforms as a point of connection – whether it’s sharing recipes, songs you discovered, or learning about a new topic together.
WHAT IF MY TEEN FEELS LIKE THEY’RE BEING SPIED ON?
“We aim to strike that balance between giving teens that extra support as they start to explore the online world independently and providing an experience for them that understands their unique developmental needs.
“As a baseline, we offer a more restrictive experience for teens than we do for adults and Family Pairing is designed to give the parent who wants deeper insight and management of that experience.
“Teens can make requests for extra time when their parent sets screen time limits and have visibility into the choices their parent makes in Family Pairing, so that they can start a conversation.
“It’s important that we get input into these features from teens themselves.
“TikTok’s Youth Council, which is a global teen advisory group, share their perspective on features like Family Pairing, so we can keep the experiences of teens at the centre of our design.”
“Getting curious about what your teen enjoys and showing an interest in their digital world is a great way to start the conversation about online experiences.”
