Safely Configuring Kids’ Social Network Settings: A Guide

The popular social media platform TikTok has recently released a Guide for parents and guardians aimed at helping them understand the platform better and make use of its privacy and security features. The guide lists various security and privacy tools available on TikTok, along with practical tips for responsible use of the app. It covers setting up account privacy settings and using parental control tools effectively.

Edgar Rodríguez, Director of Public Affairs at TikTok Latin America, emphasized the platform’s priority of ensuring safety, especially for younger users. TikTok collaborated with Grooming Argentina, a global organization dedicated to combating grooming and sexual harassment of children and adolescents online, in creating this guide.

Hernán Navarro, founder of Grooming Argentina, stated that the guide is a crucial tool for families and a significant step in the fight against grooming in Latin America. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with digital platforms in protecting children and adolescents online.

Sandra Coronel, a member of the Digital Education Operational Management team of the Buenos Aires Ministry of Education, explained that the goal is to promote privacy and security when using TikTok. The guide provides information on the various protection measures and tools available on the platform, such as setting up private accounts, filtering comments, controlling screen time, and more.

TikTok offers a “Family Sync Mode” that allows parents or guardians to link their accounts with their teens’ accounts, enabling them to access settings and remotely set security controls. This feature helps parents monitor their teens’ online activities efficiently and detect and prevent risks.

In today’s interconnected world, internet safety is crucial, especially for young people. It is essential for parents to actively engage in their teens’ online experiences and have open conversations about safety and privacy.