TikTok today announced that it is making changes to its app to make the experience safer for younger users. The company will now set accounts for users aged 13-15 to private by default, as well as tightening other controls for all users under the age of 18, in terms of how they interact with other users and with TikTok content. TikTok also announces a partnership with Common Sense Networks, a media company focused on creating and curating age-appropriate and engaging media experiences for kids and families.
The partnership will see Common Sense Networks work with TikTok to provide further guidance on the appropriateness of its content for users under the age of 13.
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Can children under 13 use TikTok?
Wondering if children under 13 can use the app, the answer is YES. TikTok provides a section exclusively for children under 13 which is coupled with additional safety and privacy features.
Changing your username
Your username is something your followers can use to recognize your account, so it’s not recommended to change it if you intend to build a loyal audience. However, you can still do this if you wish.
- Open your profile and go to Edit profile.
- Delete your current username and enter a new one.
This is why it is important that teenagers provide their real date of birth
TikTok is only for people aged 13 (or 14 in South Korea and Indonesia) and it is important that ton adolescent(e) provide in the real date of birth. Whether restricting access to certain functionalities or personalizing the advertisements that users can see, the precise information allows us to ensure that community members benefit from an experience adapted to their age. For example, in addition to our age requirement, we didn’t authorize younger people on TikTok to use age-restricted features, such as the ability to watch LIVE or use direct messaging.
Proposing a sûr et bienveillant environment is our priority. Se sentir en sécurité et à l’aise is essential to allow users to s’exprimer de façon ouverte et créative. Nous supprimons tout contenu, y compris vidéos, sons, livestream, images, commentaires et textes, qui enfreint nos Règles communautaires, et suspendons ou bannissons les comptes et/ou appareils dans les cas des breaches graves ou répétées. In certain circumstances, nous irons encore plus loin en signalant ces comptes aux autorités compétentes afin de protecter notre communauté. Nos Règles communautaires s’appliquent à tous et à tout ce qui est partagé sur TikTok.
Previously, all TikTok accounts were set to a “public” setting by default, regardless of the user’s age, leaving your child open to DMs and interactions from strangers. With its new 2021 update, TikTok accounts for users aged 13-15 will now go “private” by default. Also, videos created by users under the age of 16 are by default restricted for download unless the settings are changed or updated.
According to TikTok, “with a private TikTok account, only someone you approve as a follower can view your videos.”