Supporting Teens in Digital Safety: A Guide for Foster Parents and Carers to Navigate TikTok Responsibly
As a foster parent or carer, you play a vital role in helping the young people in your care navigate the digital world safely. Social media platforms like TikTok can be fun and engaging for teens, but they also come with risks that require your guidance. With 40% of TikTok’s 800 million active users aged between 14 and 24, it’s crucial for you to understand the platform’s potential dangers and learn how to support your teen in managing their online presence.
Why TikTok Deserves Your Attention
TikTok might look like a simple app for sharing short, entertaining videos, but it collects vast amounts of data and requires significant access to users’ devices. Knowing these risks helps you protect your teen while allowing them to enjoy the platform responsibly.
- Data Collection
TikTok collects sensitive information, often without users realizing it. This includes:- Your teen’s device brand and model
- Browsing history and app activity
- Location data through GPS
- Keystroke patterns and rhythms
This extensive data collection raises serious privacy concerns, especially for vulnerable teens.
- Access Permissions
By using TikTok, your teen grants the app access to:- The camera and microphone
- Contact lists
- Location and device storage
TikTok even uses facial recognition software, collecting biometric data that represents permanent physical characteristics, which can’t be changed like a password.
- Device Control
TikTok can automatically start itself when a device restarts, access other apps running in the background, and even install or remove shortcuts. These permissions enhance app functionality but can expose your teen’s device to potential security risks.
How You Can Support Your Teen’s Digital Safety
Rather than avoiding TikTok altogether, your role is to help the young people in your care use it wisely. Here’s how you can make a difference:
1. Start the Conversation
Talk openly with your teen about digital safety. Explain the risks of oversharing personal information online and why privacy matters. Be approachable so they feel comfortable asking for help if they encounter issues online.
2. Help Manage Permissions
Take time to review TikTok’s settings on your teen’s device. Here’s what you can do:
- Disable unnecessary permissions like location tracking and access to contacts.
- Limit app permissions to only what’s essential for TikTok to function.
3. Set Privacy Settings
Work with your teen to make their TikTok account private. This ensures that only approved followers can see their content. Show them how to:
- Block and report users who post inappropriate content.
- Restrict comments on their videos to avoid unwanted interactions.
4. Teach Responsible Sharing
Guide your teen on what is and isn’t safe to share online. Encourage them to avoid posting personal details like their address, school name, or specific location. Remind them that trends or challenges may sometimes involve revealing sensitive information, so it’s okay to skip them.
5. Use TikTok’s Family Pairing Feature
TikTok offers tools specifically designed to help parents and carers support younger users. Family Pairing allows you to link your account with your teen’s to:
- Set screen time limits.
- Restrict inappropriate content.
- Manage direct messaging.
Free Online Resources to Support You
To help you stay informed and better protect your teen, here are some tools and websites:
- VPNMentor Blog: TikTok for parents – how to keep your kids safe online
- Common Sense Media: Reviews apps like TikTok and offers expert advice for parents and carers – membership may be required for some content.
- Internet Matters: Provides in-depth resources on online safety tailored for parents and carers.
- UK Safer Internet Centre: Offers guides, tools, and advice to keep teens safe online.
Why Your Role is So Important
As a foster parent, you have a unique opportunity to shape how the young people in your care approach digital safety. By staying informed and maintaining open communication, you can empower them to use TikTok and other platforms responsibly while protecting their personal information.
With your guidance, teens can enjoy the creative, fun side of TikTok without compromising their safety or privacy.
Remember: Your awareness and proactive involvement can make all the difference. Start today by exploring TikTok’s safety features and using the resources provided to help your teen thrive online.
