TikTok introduces timer for minors
With the new special timer for minors, TikTok wants to make the platform less addictive for young people. You can only continue watching videos if you enter a password. The introduction of this timer is not the first measure for young people. Earlier, a notification was introduced that users received if they were active on TikTok for too long.
Contents
More about TikTok
In 2022, 3 million people in the Netherlands will use TikTok. With TikTok, video clips can be created with a duration of 15 to 60 seconds. These videos can be shared with friends. Just like with Facebook and Instagram, you can like these videos and post a comment below. The growth of this platform has now also continued among people in their twenties, especially among the 20 to 24 age group. See how TikTok works in the video below.
Fuss about TikTok
In addition to the ever-increasing popularity of TikTok, the channel is also causing quite a stir. For example, according to the Vice-President of the European Commission, it is necessary to better protect user data. Chinese employees have had access to data from American users, including data from American children. In Europe too, users’ data does not seem to be safe.
In addition to user safety, TikTok is also said to keep Western kids dumber than Chinese kids. The algorithms TikTok uses determine which videos you see, including some nasty side effects. For example, young people are often shown videos about suicide or self-harm.
Parents play an important role in responsible use
Young people can choose not to use the timer after 60 minutes of active use. In that case there is a request to set a timer after 100 minutes. But parents or caregivers who monitor their children with a linked profile can also choose to set this timer. In addition, it is also possible to see how much time your child spends on TikTok.
The Consumers’ Association is happy with the new timer, although critical questions are being asked about the amount of responsibility of children who use TikTok. Parents have an important role in responsible use of TikTok, but also on other channels such as Instagram and Facebook.
As a parent, how do you protect your child online?
Do you have minor children who are active on social media? Your child can – without intending to – end up on sexually explicit sites or become a victim of cybercrime, online bullying or sexual abuse, also known as grooming. To prevent this, you as a parent can take the following measures:
Parental supervision
As a parent, you can use the parental control app to protect your child online. On your child’s mobile, you can use this to disable apps or make them invisible. You can also set a time slot, for example, so that no online activity takes place after 8:30 AM. Read more about setting up parental controls here.
Education over the Internet
Whatever form of parental control you use, the most important thing is to tell your child about the dangers of the Internet. Ask your child or children the questions: what do you do online? Why is it exactly what you like? And what do you do if, for example, a stranger wants to become an online friend.
As a parent, it is best not to come across as judgmental when your child or children answer the questions you ask. The most important thing is that your child dares to approach you in the event of shocking images or unpleasant situations online. See here how you can start with media education with 5 pedagogical tips. Or watch the video below.
