An app for kids to make up fun dance moves... right?...

There are many apps out there that can encourage creativity and give an audience and real purpose to such creative exploits. Tik Tok is one you may have heard of - or even your children may have access to this app on a home device. Recently Tik Tok has come under the attention of the media for some of it's more "relaxed" privacy rules where information is apparently being collected by off shore agencies. 

Did you know that Tik Tok, like most social media platforms, has an age restriction of 16 years. Any anonymous user from around the globe is able to post videos to the platform and these can be viewed by anyone. Obviously there is plenty of entertaining content out there - but there is also content that we would all deem inappropriate for the beautiful minds of our young learners. 

It has been recommended by Common Sense Media, that this app is only used by those 16 years and older. This is due to the access users have to mature content and the way it shares personal and private information. Tik Tok have a minimum age for users of 13 years in their terms and conditions and require that all children under 18 years have parental consent before signing up for an account. 

Tik Tok also has an unmonitored chat feature where users are able to send messages and content directly to each other. Recently I have had some parents approach me about their children receiving threatening and inappropriate messages from other users. 

As we mentioned in last time's newsletter, there is a lot of fun out there and reasons to embrace the digital world - let's face it, we are surrounded by it. As parents, the challenge here is knowing what our children have access to, what are the potential dangers, and how can we minimise these - but even better - teach our children to navigate this world safely and responsibly. 

For more information for parents / caregivers around Tik Tok, please check out this website.