Will the new features help to increase online safety?
This week, TikTok announced the latest app feature designed to support online safety. Parents will now be given tighter control over the app settings. But will this help overcome the problems TikTok has encountered in the past?
Launched in 2016, TikTok is a social media app designed to allow users to create short videos and live broadcast clips, predominantly with a music theme. According to Wikipedia "The app allows users to set their accounts as private, allowing only people they approve to view their content. Users can also allow either everyone or only their friends to send comments or messages to them, and react or duet with them".
However, the app has come under criticism for inappropriate content and bullying. It has also been linked to potentially dangerous internet 'crazes' - the latest of which alleged issues, hitting the headlines in the last 24 hours, using the name 'skull breaker challenge' is just one example.
With the use of TikTok on the rise among the 12 - 15 age group*, it is definitely one to watch. And with the creative potential that the app offers, it has a number of benefits too. So how can we ensure that pupils (and staff) are kept safe when using the app?
Have your say
Have you had any experience of pupils and staff using TikTok in your school? What is your school position on this? What positive outcomes have you seen from talking to pupils about using apps such as TikTok? Let us know your thoughts and suggestions using the comments section below.*Ofcom - Children and parents: Media use and attitudes report 2019
