It's quite difficult to keep up with the app preferences of teenagers. This is what parents need to know about TikTok:

Safer Internet explains how the music video network TikTok is used and gives tips on how to use it safely.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is an app that allows you to record videos of up to one minute and share them with other users . A variety of pieces of music, effects and challenges can be used, for example to create a playback video for your favorite song or to tell something about yourself (#dasbinich).

The videos are categorized based on their hashtags and, ideally, also displayed in the “Discover” tab for other users (e.g. #mystyle, #eggchallenge or #6secondtest). Hashtags also make searching easier: TikTok automatically displays a selected list of the most popular videos for each hashtag and song.

Why is TikTok so popular among teenagers?

In the last few weeks and months, a real hype about TikTok has broken out not only among young people: many young adults are now also using the platform to promote themselves. Well-known YouTubers and Instagrammers use them to get even more reach. The number of active users worldwide is currently estimated at around 800 million. This makes TikTok one of the fastest-growing platforms in the world.

But why is this network so popular among teenagers? First and foremost, it's all about fun and creativity , which you can live out in the so-called challenges. These are specified by TikTok itself on the one hand and by the community on the other.

[mk_ad]

The #6SecondTest, for example, is about filming yourself stopping a countdown, which is started and stopped by blinking your eyes, at exactly six seconds. The #iusedtobebeautiful challenge is about combining a before video (where you look “unpretty”) with an after video and using the right music.

Many of these videos are, of course, primarily about self-expression : TikTok offers young people a good platform for self-promotion and image cultivation on the Internet. Published videos can be heartily rated or commented on by others - and many “likes” and “views” are important for self-confidence.

Sometimes apps like TikTok are just about “being there” . After all, social networks are an important driving force when it comes to demonstrating group membership .

Is there an age restriction?

Officially, TikTok cannot be used by people under the age of 13 According to the terms of use, people under the age of 18 need at least the consent of their legal guardian . However, this minimum age hardly plays a role in practice, as younger children can also download and use the app without any problems.

Read TikTok's Terms of Service

What are the risks of using it?

Like all social networks, TikTok also harbors certain risks that parents should definitely talk to their children about.

Cyber ​​bullying & harassment

Anyone who uses TikTok in public mode should be aware that not only other users, but also people outside of TikTok can see the videos. Once published, the recordings can spread quickly on the Internet - and viewers don't always take kindly to them.

The videos can also be downloaded and shared directly in the app - provided the function has not been deactivated .

[mk_ad]

We therefore recommend, especially for younger people, to only use TikTok with a private account - this way only confirmed friends can view your videos.

If harassment occurs from other users, you can easily block it or report it directly to TikTok .

Violation of copyrights

There is currently a lot of uncertainty when it comes to copyrights : the songs and film scenes used on TikTok are of course protected by copyright and cannot simply be distributed. Even though it is currently very easy to download videos to upload to Instagram or YouTube, you should be particularly careful here. In the worst case, this can lead to an expensive warning.

[mk_ad]

other people can be seen in a video definitely ask them for permission before publishing ( “right to your own image” ).

Tips for parents

  • Discover together. Just try out TikTok yourself or go on a “journey of discovery” with your child. Not only will you better understand the fascination behind it, but you will also be able to better assess possible risks.
  • Talk instead of banning. Even if you are skeptical, a mere ban is counterproductive, especially if TikTok is very popular among your child's circle of friends. Talk to your child about why they really want to use the app and clarify possible risks together.
  • Agree on rules. Decide with your child what types of videos are acceptable on TikTok and what are not (e.g. no revealing videos or those that allow conclusions to be drawn about where you live or go to school). If other people can be seen in a video, they must be asked for permission before posting.
  • Protect privacy. Discuss with your child why a private account on TikTok might make sense and take a look at the app's privacy settings .
  • Respect copyrights. Explain to your child what copyright is and why you can't simply upload the videos produced on TikTok somewhere else.
  • Get creative. Encourage your child to let their creativity run wild on TikTok - the videos don't necessarily have to be your child in the picture! With a little skill, you can also create an alternative performance that is impressive (e.g. a stop-motion video with drawn characters).

Related to the topic: Illegal content on TikTok

Source: Safer Internet
Article image: Shutterstock / By Ascanni


If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:

📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.

Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!

* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!


Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )