Across the world the outbreak of pandemic COVID-19 is worse. As the vaccine is not available for this virus, lockdown is the only option to stop the spread of the virus. Due to lockdown there is an increase in the usage of the Tik Tok app. Most of the teens spending their whole day in Tik Tok.
Tik Tok has introduced a new set of parental controls to its platform for users worldwide. This parental control option allows parents to manage Screen Time, Restricted Mode and Direct Messages for their teen users. Also, Tik Tok has restricted direct messages for the users under the age of 16. This feature will roll out worldwide in the coming weeks.
How does it work?
To use these new parental controls, parents have to link their account to their child’s account. For this parents also should set up their own Tik Tok account. This will allow parents to manage their child on how long they can use the app. Parents can turn on or off who the teen can direct message. Also, they can turn on the restricted mode in order to limit inappropriate content.
Both Screen Time Management and Restricted Mode are existing controls that TikTok users can set for themselves on the Digital Wellbeing section. Family pairing allows parents to control these on their own instead of relying on their child.
These new changes are expected to go live on April 30. However users can set some settings for themselves. For example, users can make their accounts private, turn off comments and control who can duet with them, etc.
TikTok director of Trust & Safety, Jeff Collins says “More than ever, families are turning to internet platforms like TikTok to stay entertained, informed, and connected. That was, of course, happening before COVID-19, but it has only accelerated since the outbreak began and social distancing brought families closer together”. Also he said that the embrace of platforms like Tik Tok is providing families with joint tools to express their creativity, share their stories, and show support for their communities. At the same time, they are often learning to navigate the digital landscape together and focused on ensuring a safe experience.
This is a great decision by Tik Tok amid of COVID-19 outbreak. Let’s see how this is going to work in the coming days and parents can substantially more control over their child’s use of TikTok compared with any other social media app.
I agree with this. Tiktok made a very good decision in creating parental control on their app especially in this pandemic crisis that children are bored and are doing different tiktok challenges and dance steps. Some tiktok contents are for adult and not suitable for kids to see.