TikTok

Privacy on TikTok

TikTok accounts for users over 16 years old are public by default, meaning anyone on the app can view or interact with the shared content. However, only approved followers can send messages.

When you set your account to private, only approved followers will see your content.

TikTok has a 'suggest your account to others' setting which makes your account discoverable. This setting is not available for users under 16 and can be changed in the privacy settings.

You can update your privacy settings by visiting TikTok's privacy settings page(https://support.tiktok.com/en/account-and-privacy/account-privacy-settings/making-your-account-public-or-private).

Direct messages on TikTok

You can send direct messages, including links to TikTok videos, to one or more people via TikTok.

• Make sure you know and trust the person / people you are direct messaging on TikTok.
• Don't give out any sensitive personal information like your address, passwords or bank account information.

If someone has sent you a message that you find distressing you can report the account to TikTok(https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/report-a-problem/report-a-user) directly.

If you're experiencing online abuse, fallen victim to a scam, or need some advice about another online issue, Netsafe is here to support you.

Our helpline is free, confidential and non-judgmental - providing expert advice and assistance seven days a week.

Report online (https://report.netsafe.org.nz/hc/en-au/requests/new)Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])Text 'Netsafe' to 4282 (sms:4282?body=Netsafe)Live chat support Call 0508 638 723 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm weekends (tel:0508638723)New Zealanders overseas can call +64 9 666 0840 (tel:+6496660840)

Watching videos on TikTok

TikTok is a platform that can be great as a creative outlet, enabling users to create, share and discover short-form videos.

You can find a lot of entertaining and enjoyable content on TikTok. However, sometimes people post videos that contain distressing content, that you may not be comfortable seeing.

If you find distressing content on TikTok you can report it directly(https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/report-a-problem/report-a-video).

Safety tools

TikTok offers several safety features, including the ability to report an account, video or comments that violate their Community Guidelines.

Users can block others from viewing their content or interacting through direct messages, comments, follows or likes.

• Learn how to report content.(https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/reporting/)
• Learn how to block users.(https://support.tiktok.com/en/using-tiktok/followers-and-following/blocking-the-users)

Advice for parents

• Minimum age:  The minimum age to use TikTok is 13.
• Privacy:  For users aged 13-15, accounts are private by default.
• Direct messaging:  Available only to users aged 16 and above.
• Live content:  Only users aged 18 and above can host 'live' content.
• Screen time limits:  Users under 18 have a daily screen time limit of 60 minutes and must enter a passcode to extend their usage.​

TikTok offers a Family Pairing function, allowing parents to link their TikTok account to their teen’s account to ensure appropriate safety settings are in place.

For more advice on helping your teen use TikTok safely, including using the Family Pairing function, visit TikTok's Guardian's Guide(https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/guardians-guide/).

You can contact Netsafe seven days a week for free, confidential and non-judgmental advice about an online issue impacting you or someone you know.

Report online (https://report.netsafe.org.nz/hc/en-au/requests/new)Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])Text 'Netsafe' to 4282 (sms:4282?body=Netsafe)Live chat support Call 0508 638 723 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm weekends (tel:0508638723)New Zealanders overseas can call +64 9 666 0840 (tel:+6496660840)