TikTok is not a new application, yet you have been hearing a lot about this phenomenon in recent weeks. It is actually THE social network that acquired the Musically app a few months ago. Today, TikTok is used by more than 500 million users, including 2.5 million in France.
TikTok, what is it for?
It is a playback application that allows users to create videos in lip-syncing mode. Users post videos of around 15 seconds in length in which they dance, sing along to playback, act out cult film scenes and even take part in numerous daily challenges. It has now become the third most popular app among 12- to 14-year-olds. Although the minimum age for registration is 13, in France, more than half of schoolgirls aged 11 to 14 have an account on the app*.
Why are we talking about this?
TikTok now has a huge influence on young people. With its strong focus on images, the social network encourages its users to show off, which can have dramatic consequences for the most vulnerable. It is also worth noting that young female users imitate their favourite stars (dancers, singers, etc.) and adopt sexualised poses that are inappropriate for their young age.
The King of Rats, a YouTuber who regularly points out certain abuses on social media, demonstrated in one of his videos the presence of sexual predators who do not hesitate to try to contact very young girls via video comments.
Based on these findings, child protection organisations such as e-Enfance and the National Police are calling for vigilance.
[#AdviceCyberlYour teenager uses #TikTok Please note that he may be the target of sexual propositions with malicious intent. If he is a victim of this, go to the police station to file a complaint. The perpetrator faces two years in prison and a €30,000 fine.https://t.co/I2XTU6S3iW
— National Police (@PoliceNationale) 19 November 2018
Be vigilant, but how?
Your child uses TikTok, and our goal is not to demonise its use. As with many social networks, TikTok is an entertainment app, and the most important thing is to adopt the right habits to use it safely. Please note that all social networks are prohibited for children under the age of 13.
1. Talk to your children and explain to them the risks they expose themselves to by posting public videos that may be embarrassing or revealing. As in the street and on the Internet in general, it is also important not to engage in conversation with strangers. Finally, it is essential to emphasise the clothing and positions that are sometimes “inappropriate” and should not be adopted in a “public” space.
2. Accompany your children in their account privacy settings. TikTok allows users to set their account to “Private” mode and define who they can interact or connect with.
3. Inform them about reporting procedures. If your children encounter malicious or suspicious users, do not hesitate to report such behaviour.
If you are having difficulty supporting your child or if you feel overwhelmed by a questionable or inappropriate situation on the Internet, contact 3018 (free, anonymous and confidential).
* Digital Generation Study
