What Parents Need to Know About TikTok and YouTube
A refresher on the two social media apps that account for hours of daily use time for kids.
On Parent Tech, I never want to assume that readers know about the apps, devices, or services we discuss. Additionally, apps frequently change and expand. As such, it’s essential to refresh your knowledge of popular apps, even if you think you know things well. In that spirit, I’d like to dive into two apps we discussed in my last post, TikTok and YouTube Own Our Kids’ Eyeballs. Let’s get started!
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short videos, typically 15 to 60 seconds long. It's known for its use of music and sound bites and an algorithm that suggests personalized content to users based on their interests and behavior on the app. The platform has become famous for its viral trends and challenges and has launched the careers of many influencers and content creators.
Who uses TikTok?
TikTok has a broad user base, but the primary demographic is young people. According to a report by Hootsuite, as of 2021, 62% of TikTok users are aged 10-29, with the largest group being 10-19. However, the platform has seen increased users from older age groups in recent years. Regarding gender, TikTok has a relatively even split, with 50.4% female and 49.6% male users. TikTok's popularity also varies by country, with some countries having a higher percentage of adult users than others.
Is TikTok safe for kids?
TikTok has taken steps to improve the safety of its platform for all users, including children. The app has various safety features, such as restricted mode, which filters out inappropriate content, and a Family Pairing feature, letting parents link their account with their child's account to control screen time, restrict content, and limit direct messages.
That being said, no social media platform is entirely risk-free, and parents should still monitor their child's use of TikTok and educate them on safe online behavior. It's also essential to discuss the potential risks of using social media, such as cyberbullying, online predators, and the dangers of oversharing personal information. Overall, while TikTok can be safe for kids, it's crucial for parents to stay involved and aware of their child's online activity. Obviously, the age of your child plays a big part in determining the safety of TikTok.
How do I set up Family Sharing on TikTok?
To set up the Family Pairing feature on TikTok, follow these steps:
Download and open the TikTok app.
Go to your profile by tapping the "Me" icon at the bottom right corner.
Tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner to access the app's settings.
Scroll down to the "Digital Wellbeing" section and select "Family Pairing."
You can follow the prompts to link your account to your child's account.
Once the accounts are linked, you can set controls for screen time, restrict content, and limit direct messages.
You can also set a passcode to prevent your child from changing the Family Pairing settings.
It's important to note that to set up Family Pairing, both you and your child need to have a TikTok account, and your child needs to be under the age of 13. If your child is over 13, they can set up their Family Pairing controls from their account.
How is TikTok different from YouTube?
TikTok and YouTube are both video-sharing platforms, but they have some key differences:
Video length: TikTok videos are usually between 15 to 60 seconds long, while YouTube videos can range from a few seconds to several hours.
Content creation: TikTok is designed to be more accessible for casual content creation, with in-app tools that make it easy to create short, polished videos using music and effects. On the other hand, YouTube requires more extensive video production and editing skills.
Algorithm: TikTok's algorithm is highly personalized, using artificial intelligence to suggest content to each user based on their interests and behavior on the app. YouTube's algorithm is less personalized, and users are likelier to see content from channels they subscribe to.
Discoverability: TikTok makes it easy for users to discover new content and creators through its "For You" page, which features curated content across the platform. YouTube's discovery features are more centered around search and recommendations based on past viewing history.
Monetization: TikTok and YouTube offer opportunities for creators to make money from their content, but the methods are different. TikTok has a Creator Fund that pays creators based on their views and engagement, while YouTube's monetization is based on ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
While TikTok and YouTube are both video-sharing platforms, they have different strengths and appeal to different types of creators and audiences.
What are the best ways for adults to protect kids on YouTube?
Here are some ideas for how parents can protect kids on YouTube:
Use YouTube Kids: YouTube Kids is a separate app designed specifically for children, with a selection of age-appropriate videos and parental controls to limit access to mature content.
Enable Restricted Mode: YouTube's Restricted Mode filters out mature content and is a valuable tool for parents who want to prevent their children from accessing inappropriate videos. It's not 100% foolproof, but it's an extra layer of protection.
Monitor viewing history: Parents can monitor their child's viewing history to see what they're watching on YouTube and have conversations about any concerns they may have.
Ultimately, the best way to protect children on YouTube is to stay involved and aware of their online activity and to have open and honest conversations about online safety.