As a social media platform, TikTok immediately became synonymous with adult content and porn exposure without any barriers. Its popularity with younger age groups may have been based on many aspects beyond this element for kids and young adults alike, but it seemed to take parents and caregivers a while to realise that TikTok wasn’t like other media. Alerts began to be shared among parents that the content that their kids were watching, which included images and videos, were beyond alarming, and complaints to TikTok arose to an almost fever pitch. There are also adults that had a desire to enjoy this newer platform and were appalled at the soft porn that kept appearing on their feed. It became obvious that individuals needed to be proactive on limiting the content.

While TikTok did add some restrictions in 2021, some began to take matters into their own hands to circumvent unacceptable content. Popularity of this platform increased exponentially during COVID lockdowns, and this gave parents additional time to begin sharing some of the needed restrictions that were required.  The first thing to recognise is that the TikTok’s business model is similar to YouTube’s; the purpose is to keep the viewer online watching repetitive videos for as long as possible. With each video the algorithm moves the viewers into deeper similar topics while adding alternates that may match but are possibly not appropriate.

Software programs such as “Canopy” have designed restriction choices just for TikTok. These programs are helpful to use in conjunction with TikTok applications to restrict unacceptable feeds. To begin with, when setting up a TikTok account, a birthday is required. No one under the age of 13 are supposed to be able to use the app and once the birth date is set – it’s almost impossible to change. Ages 13-15 have default settings of restriction that include:

• No DMs (direct messages)
• Accounts are automatically added with a “private” status
• Limitation for comments to “friends” or “no one”
• No videos can be downloaded or remixed

For those ages 16-17 the default for remixing and downloading videos is set to “off” but can be changed and they are limited to “friends.”  For those that still may have concerns, TikTok allows the adult to “pair” their own TikTok app with a child’s so that they can monitor searches, videos, and general content.

Additional steps that can be taken to assure appropriate content can include:

• Change the account to “private” status so that strangers cannot contact the child.
• Turn off the status of “allow others to find me” so the child’s account won’t appear in general searches.
• Toggle the “personalised data” to off so that the personal info will not be gleaned.
• Use the “SAFETY” settings so that only “friends” can view and post on the account.
• Under the “Digital Wellbeing” within the “Privacy and safety” area, enable time management and restriction mode. This assists with blocking mature content and screen time and has a 4-digit passcode that parents can set.
  

“Social media use by children and young adults has come under fire by a number of health professionals. DaVinci Cybersecurity assists parents and caregivers in understanding and setting limits for their families while helping them recognise unsafe areas that includes adult content that is inappropriate for kids.”

Sharon Knowles, CEO Da Vinci Cybersecurity

Sources:

www.protectyoungeyes.com/apps/tiktok-parental-controls

https://canopy.us/2023/11/05/how-to-block-inappropriate-content-on-tiktok/

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/tiktok-rolls-out-automated-porn-removal-software/

https://canopy.us/2023/09/05/how-to-block-tiktok-on-phone-iphone-android/