07/10/2026
๐ฑ : What Parents Need to Know About TikTok ๐ฑ
TikTok remains one of the most popular platforms for young people, but do you know the hidden hazards to look out for?
This weekโs guide from The National College breaks down the key risks and offers practical safety tips for parents and educators.
โ ๏ธ What are the risks?
โข ๐ Age-Inappropriate Content: Algorithms can still serve up unsuitable videos based on viewing history.
โข ๐ฅ Contact with Strangers: Default settings for older teens can leave profiles visible to anyone, opening doors to unwanted attention.
โข ๐ช๏ธ Dangerous Challenges: Viral trends can spread quickly, impacting body image or encouraging risky behaviours.
โข ๐ธ In-App Spending: TikTok Shop and TikTok coins make it incredibly easy for children to accidentally spend money.
โข ๐ Addictive Design: With an average usage of 127 minutes per day, the platform's fast-paced stream can easily disrupt sleep and attention spans.
๐ก Top Tips to Keep Your Child Safe:
โข ๐ Enable Family Pairing: Link your account to theirs to set screen time limits and restrict content remotely.
โข ๐ณ Block In-App Spending: Turn off in-app purchases directly through your device settings to prevent accidental costs.
โข ๐ฃ๏ธ Discuss the Dangers: Encourage them not to share personal information and teach them to question online misinformation.
โข ๐ Read the Signs: Keep an eye out for increased irritability, lack of concentration, or falling behind on schoolwork.
๐ Take a look at the attached guide for expert, practical advice!