TikTok: 5 Risks Parents Should Know

The TikTok social media app carries some risks that you should be aware of as a parent. This is because the popular app, which users use to add self-made videos to music and dance, is mainly used by children and teenagers.

Tik Tok Risks: These are the dangers of the app

The popular TikTok app works similarly to Instagram. The difference is that - especially young users - post their own videos instead of pictures. Careless sharing of videos, however, poses certain dangers. Read what they are below:

1. Protection of minors : The social media app TikTok is officially allowed from the age of 13. But be careful: the minimum age is not checked effectively, which is why the app can also be downloaded by significantly younger children. If necessary, change the Play Store parental controls.
2. Purchases within the app : TikTok is available for download free of charge, but users can support their favorites with so-called coins. Your children can quickly spend up to 100 euros. Disable in-app purchases to avoid the cost trap.
3. Contact with strangers: If you do not change the standard settings of TikTok, any user can contact your child via the comment or chat function. Unfortunately, so-called cybergroomers, i.e. adults who specifically target young girls with sexual intentions, take advantage of this.
4. Sexualization : Young girls in particular film themselves in provocative poses or tight clothing to generate attention and draw other users' attention to themselves. So be sure to check what content your child puts online.
5. Privacy : Be aware that the social media platform stores your child's data. To use TikTok you need a user account, which in turn needs the phone number or the connection to Facebook or Instagram. So you or your child already reveal some data.

TikTok: Preventive measures

With regard to these risks, you should take the following steps.

• Be sure to change the default settings of TikTok - the app automatically sets your profile to "public". So every user can write to your child via chat or a comment.
• Set the account to "private" to protect privacy.
• With this setting, the videos can only be viewed by selected users. In addition, strangers cannot contact your child.