Are TikTok and YouTube safe for kids?

TikTok and YouTube are extremely popular platforms among children and teens, offering a variety of video content, from funny clips and tutorials to music videos and vlogs. As parents, it's natural to wonder if these platforms are safe for our little ones and how we can protect them from potential risks.

TikTok: Why It's Better to Block It

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a free social media app for watching, creating, and sharing videos. It started as Musical.ly, focusing on lip-sync videos, but now hosts videos about anything and everything.

A child between the ages of 5 and 15 spends an average of 91 minutes a day on TikTok. Considering that the average length of a video is 15 seconds, that means they scroll through over 360 videos daily!

How does the TikTok algorithm work?

The app has a "For You" page that displays videos based on information gathered about you. If you watch a few videos about games, TikTok will show you similar videos in the future.

Why is TikTok not safe for your child?

• Disturbing content: TikTok has inappropriate content, including explicit language, sexual or violent content, and misinformation. The app has also been criticized for its negative impact on children's mental health and self-esteem.
• Dangerous trends: Some trends on TikTok can be dangerous, such as the "blackout challenge", which has led to deaths among children.
• Data collection: TikTok collects information about users, including children, possibly even sensitive data.
• Interaction with strangers: Your child can be contacted by strangers on TikTok who may have bad intentions.
• Negative impact on development: TikTok can affect attention span, brain development, and can be addictive.

What can parents do?

• Enable Restricted Mode: This filters out age-inappropriate content.
• Set the account to private: Restrict strangers' access to the child's profile.
• Talk to your child about online dangers: Explain the risks associated with TikTok and encourage them to tell you if they are facing problems.
• Set time limits: Monitor the time spent on TikTok and set clear limits.

Given these risks, our recommendation is to completely block access to TikTok on your child's phone.

YouTube

What is YouTube?

YouTube is a video-sharing platform that offers a wide range of content, from educational and entertainment videos to news and music.

Risks:

• Inappropriate content: Children can access violent, sexual content or content that promotes negative messages.
• Toxic comments: The comments section may contain foul language, harassment, and cyberbullying.
• Addiction: YouTube can be addictive, with children spending hours watching videos.
• Misinformation: The platform may contain false or misleading information.

How can you protect your child on YouTube?

• Enable Restricted Mode: This filters out inappropriate content.
• Use YouTube Kids: This app offers a safer experience with content selected for children.
• Talk to your child about online safety: Explain how to identify inappropriate content and report abuse.
• Set time limits:** Limit time spent on YouTube and encourage other activities.

How can Tutorina help you?

• Blocking apps: With Tutorina, you can easily block access to apps that are inappropriate for your child's age or to various websites on your child's phone, thus eliminating the risks associated with this platform.
• Activity monitoring: If you choose to allow access to these applications, Tutorina offers you the possibility to monitor the time your child spends on the two platforms.
• Setting time limits: You can set time limits for using TikTok, helping your child develop healthy digital habits.

Tutorina is a valuable ally in protecting your child on TikTok and YouTube. Together, we can create a safer online environment for children!