Social media platforms have become increasingly popular among younger users, but it also raises concerns about privacy, security, and cyberbullying. TikTok, the video-sharing app, has recently taken a significant step towards enhancing user safety by establishing a youth council to create more effective safety tools for younger users.
Kalhan Rosenblatt/ NBC | TikTok has established a Youth Council in collaboration with authorities like the Institute for Family Online Safety to make the platform safer for teens
The Role of the Youth Council
TikTok's youth council will be composed of teenagers aged 13-18 from various countries where the app operates, and they will meet virtually with TikTok staff every quarter. The council's primary role is identifying safety concerns and issues relevant to younger users, recommending solutions to improve safety measures, and advising the company on digital well-being and literacy for younger users. By involving users in the safety improvement process, the youth council aims to create more effective safety tools that address the concerns of younger users.
Benefits
The youth council's involvement in the process will utilize the expertise and unique perspectives of younger users, ensuring the development of safety tools is more effective and avoiding the development of ineffective tools. The council will directly link TikTok's younger user base and the company, enabling them to voice their concerns and provide insights on creating a safer and more enjoyable platform. By considering the input of the youth council, TikTok can tailor safety measures to meet the needs of younger users better, ultimately creating a safer and healthier environment for them on the app.
PONGTEP CHITHAN/ GETTY IMAGES | The Youth Council will serve as a platform for teenagers to share their insights, ideas, and concern
TikTok's Existing Safety Tools
TikTok has taken crucial steps to enhance safety for younger users on the platform through tools such as the "Tips for Caregivers" section and content filters through family pairing. The "Tips for Caregivers" section provides parents with advice on supporting their children's online safety and well-being. It covers privacy settings, managing screen time, and encouraging healthy online behavior. This resource equips parents with valuable information to guide their children's digital experiences.
Additionally, TikTok offers content filters through family pairing, allowing parents to control the types of content their children can view on the app. This feature allows parents to set content preferences and limit access to age-restricted content. By empowering parents with content control, TikTok promotes a safer environment for younger users and addresses concerns about exposure to inappropriate content.
Recognition of TikTok's Efforts
TikTok's efforts to improve safety measures for younger users have not gone unnoticed. Organizations like the National PTA and Safer Kids PH have recognized TikTok's commitment to user safety. These recognitions highlight TikTok's dedication to creating a responsible and secure platform for younger users and commend its efforts to provide resources and tools to support digital well-being.
Euronews/ AP | Youth Council will function similarly to the other advisory groups it has put together
Conclusion
Establishing a youth council by TikTok reinforces the company's commitment to improving safety measures for younger users and creating a safer and healthier environment for its community. TikTok's efforts to involve younger users in the safety improvement process highlight the significance of their perspectives and expertise in creating effective safety measures for social media platforms. The youth council has the potential to serve as a model for other platforms seeking to enhance their safety measures for younger users.
As a user, it's essential to understand the platform's safety tools and use them effectively to ensure online safety and well-being. By taking advantage of resources like the "Tips for Caregivers" section and content filters, parents can play an active role in safeguarding their children's digital experiences. Together, with the active involvement of users, platforms like TikTok can continue to improve and prioritize user safety, setting a positive example for the industry as a whole.
