New Zealand resource
A guide to TikTok for parents and guardians
Netsafe and TikTok have put together a guide for New Zealand parents and guardians, to support them as they help teens navigate the online platform.
TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create, share, and discover short videos. Like many media platforms that publish user generated content, TikTok serves as an outlet for creative expression (through singing, dancing, comedy and lip-syncing) as well as political activism, hobbyist and expert content from health to finance, enabling users to share videos within a community or discover new content based on what they already like to watch (using algorithms).
New Zealand resource
Netsafe and TikTok have put together a guide for New Zealand parents and guardians, to support them as they help teens navigate the online platform.
Last Updated30/07/2024
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).
You can send direct messages, including links to TikTok videos, to one or more people via TikTok.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Check out our handy guide designed for parents to support their whānau to stay safe online.
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