Even though TikTok has already come under scrutiny for exposing unsuspecting underage users to unsuitable content, and creating conditions that can lead to online bullying, it remains one the key contributors to tody’s mental health crisis.

While the app has tightened up security and increased restrictions and controls for young TikTok user accounts, there remain clever and subversive workarounds.

These issues can grant your children access to inappropriate content.  On TikTok’s “For You Page”, for instance, no matter what the user ‘feeds’ the algorithm, there still might be scenes of gore, harmful pranks, or other antisocial behaviors. There are also TikTok privacy issues explored later in this article, which are not new.

Let’s walk you through everything you need to know about the “For You Page” algorithms. We will provide guidance that will help you take proactive steps to navigate safe uses of TikTok together with your child, leading the way towards having an open conversation about online safety and privacy concerns.

How For You Page Algorithms Work

One of the reasons TikTok’s algorithmic system of selecting content for users to view is so effective is that its ultimate purpose is to attract more daily users to the platform.

This means that the app is designed in such a way as to keep viewers coming back for more, spending increasing amounts of time each visit and engaging with the app ever more frequently. Some point towards this as a system that promotes addiction and the app has been likened to a number of highly addictive substances for this reason.

Using machine learning processes, the algorithms determine users’ tastes and preferences to highly specified degrees. After just a few hours of engaging with the app, sophisticated algorithms will have analyzed the user’s engagement to determine their taste in music, their mood, their likelihood to take drugs, and even their sexuality.

This information is then fed back into the app, providing highly personalized recommendations on the “For you” page, designed to entice the viewer to keep engaging with more content.

This can become an endless cycle, as the more videos a TikTok user watches, the more accurately the TikTok algorithm can predict which videos will be most likely to keep them engaged.

This cycle can target sensitive and impressionable users, feeding them potentially harmful content and making them further addicted to the app itself.

Fake Content Can Fool Unsuspecting TikTok Users

But all of that is just the tip of the iceberg. The For You page also tends to be full of ads prompting users to download a game or an app.

While every parent can sniff out manipulation tactics such as fake ads like this, kids won’t think and will gladly click on the link to get their next dose of excitement.

This can lead to data theft, account infiltration, and even a cyber attack on your whole home network. So if you’re using your work laptop to connect to your WiFi, best believe hackers will be after those financial reports, too.

The Most Common Risks of TikTok FYP Content

While TikTok is intended to be safe for children over the age of 13 only, in reality, this is not the case. A recent report has revealed that as many as 1.4 million children younger than age 13 have bypassed in-app security measures and been able to access TikTok.

This leaves young users vulnerable to a host of possible risks associated with TikTok FYP content. Let’s take a look at a few of the most worrying.

Unsecured Data Collection

We’ve all read about the allegations that the Chinese government has been collecting data via TikTok, and while the evidence remains inconclusive, there are lingering doubts about national security.

Over half of all 50 states in the United States have banned access to TikTok on government-issued devices as of April 2023. And while federal employees can still access the app on their personal devices, this level of concern does raise some alarms when it comes to protecting the sensitive data your kids are unwittingly sharing, just by watching videos.

As we’ve mentioned above, each video your child watches reveals information not just about what kinds of videos your child likes, but about who they are. This sensitive data has a cumulative effect. The more information the algorithm gathers, the clearer a picture it has of who your child is and what makes them tick.

That information, put into the wrong hands, can be highly dangerous, making your child vulnerable to phishing attacks and potentially compromising their overall cybersecurity.

Purposefully Pushing Harmful Content

For young TikTok users, one of the greatest dangers presented by TikTok FYP content is that deep personal vulnerabilities can be exploited – with extremely harmful results.

Teenagers and preteens who search for things like “losing weight” or “depression” will be entered into an algorithmic equation that floods their personalized page with potentially harmful content.

This content can lead to serious damage; twisting and distorting young TikTok users’ views of what their body should look like, how they should be expected to feel and act, and how they should view people in a gendered context.

Content that promotes misogyny, eating disorders, and even self-harm can have a severe impact on impressionable viewers. Since the algorithm is designed to anticipate users’ interests and desires, it can prey on common insecurities and fears, keeping young viewers hooked and engaged in dangerous content.

Fake Celebrity Accounts

Another thing parents should be wary of is content requiring their kids to engage with the poster (usually a minor TikTok celebrity).

Aside from the usual risks of your children communicating with older strangers, many of these profiles are often a product of synthetic identity fraud—a growing danger involving criminals creating carbon copies of celebrity profiles to communicate with younger fans and steal their information or even extort them.

Young users drawn in by the exciting allure of their favorite influencers will not be wary of a convincing fake and can easily be tricked into sharing sensitive information. If your child provides their home address or school schedule, this could even lead to kidnapping or physical harm.

How to Keep Your Kids Safe on TikTok

Let’s face it, restricting your child’s access to one of the most highly addictive social media apps out there may not be a walk in the park. However, it’s important that you work together with your child to find a realistic solution.

Having a frank, open, and honest conversation with your kids about the potential dangers that TikTok FYP content presents can help illuminate where you are coming from, and can make them feel more ready to engage in a cooperative negotiation.

In a wider sense, you could also try bringing up the topic of Tiktok at the next school meeting – these are collective issues facing society, so including social media safety in curricula would be a great step toward finding solutions.

Explore the options available to you when it comes to in-app parental controls, and also try safeguarding your home internet network (this is a good idea in any case). Navigating the risks together with your child can help pave the way for a safer, more communicative mode of engaging with social media- and with each other.

Final Thoughts

With its keen insights into the desires and fears of young users’ inner worlds, TikTok’s For You page represents a widespread threat.

Personalized promoted content can exploit vulnerabilities and introduce your children to harmful content. Phishing, fake accounts, and spam ads can expose your internet network and devices to malware or spyware, compromising your overall cybersecurity. And unsuspecting young TikTok users may fall prey to the schemes of bad actors pretending to be someone they are not.

In order to keep your child safe on TikTok, engage with them directly. Let them know that your concerns are legitimate by citing real-world examples, without scaring them too much, of course.

Use parental controls and restrictions, and try to understand where your child is coming from. After all, they are attached to an app that is, according to some analysts, designed to keep users addicted and ready for more.

About the Author:
Ryan Harris is a copywriter focused on eLearning and the digital transitions going on in the education realm. Before turning to writing full time, Ryan worked for five years as a teacher in Tulsa and then spent six years overseeing product development at many successful Edtech companies, including 2U, EPAM, and NovoEd.

Creating an app can be an exciting and educational experience for students, offering them hands-on exposure to the digital world’s possibilities. This guide aims to streamline the teaching process, ensuring educators can effectively convey the intricacies of app development to their students.

Understanding the Basics: Introducing the Concept

Start by introducing your students to the idea that behind every app is a story. Someone somewhere wanted to solve a problem or create a viable business serving a need that could be met through the use of an app.  The concept of creating an app will open students up to a world of possibilities. It may be part of a larger career path in the tech sector, whether they are interested in science, engineering, or math (STEM). Alternatively, students may simply want to explore the concept for fun.

Selecting the Right Tools: App Builders and Development Platforms

Teach students that there are various app builders and platforms available online. These tools are designed to simplify the process, making it accessible for beginners. Highlight the importance of choosing the right tool based on the project’s requirements and the students’ skill levels. Of course, this will take research, which is the foundation of any successful project.

Idea Generation and Planning: The First Step in App Creation

Encourage students to brainstorm ideas for their apps. Besides social media or games, what other types of apps are there?  It’s vital they understand that every successful app starts with a clear and purposeful idea. Guide them in evaluating the feasibility and potential impact of their concepts.

Design Basics: Focusing on User Experience

Teach the principles of app design, emphasizing user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). Discuss the importance of intuitive navigation, aesthetic appeal, and responsiveness. Provide examples of well-designed apps to illustrate these concepts.

Technical Skills: Learning the How-To of App Creation

Dive into the technical aspects of how to create an app. Depending on the complexity and the students’ age, you might cover basic coding or use app builder that require minimal coding. Ensure that the instruction is hands-on, allowing students to learn by doing.

Testing and Iteration: The Key to Perfection

Instill the concept of iterative development. Teach students that testing apps is foundational to working out the bugs, gathering feedback, and making improvements. This process not only enhances the app but also teaches students about the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.

Launching and Marketing: Making the App Known

Discuss the steps involved in launching an app. Cover topics like app store submission, meeting guidelines, and marketing basics. Even a simple introduction to these concepts can be highly beneficial for students.

Real-World Applications: Guest Speakers and Case Studies

Invite guest speakers who are app developers to share their experiences. Analyze case studies of successful apps to provide practical insights into the app development process.

Encouraging Collaboration: Team Projects and Peer Review

Encourage students to work in teams, like startups in the real world that have developed the most popular apps we all use today. This approach fosters collaboration and allows students to learn from each other. Peer reviews can be an effective way to get constructive feedback.

Evaluating Success: Metrics and User Feedback

Teach students how to evaluate an app’s success. Discuss key metrics like download numbers, user reviews, and engagement rates. Understanding these metrics can provide valuable insights for future projects.

Ethical Considerations and Digital Responsibility

Address the ethical aspects of app development, such as user privacy, data security, and digital responsibility. It’s essential for students to understand the impact of app creations on users and society.

Keeping Up with Trends: Continuous Learning

Encourage students to stay updated with the latest trends in app development. The tech world is ever evolving, and being informed is crucial for success in this field.

Conclusion: The Journey of App Creation

Conclude by summarizing the journey of app creation. Reinforce the key points covered in the guide, from the initial concept to the final launch, and remind students of the importance of perseverance, creativity, and continuous learning in this exciting field.

By following this guide, educators can provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for students interested in app development. The journey of creating an app is not just about technical skills; it’s about nurturing creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of the digital world.

How to build a safe and engaging educational website for kids.

Electric cars have been gaining popularity in recent years, and it’s not just adults who are fascinated by these eco-friendly vehicles. Children are also captivated by the sleek design and futuristic technology of electric cars. But beyond just being a cool mode of transportation, electric cars can actually have a positive impact on kids’ imagination and resilience.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how playing with electric cars can spark creativity and build resilience in children. So, whether you’re a parent looking for a new toy for your child or an educator seeking to incorporate electric cars into the classroom, keep reading to discover the potential benefits of this type of play. Let’s get started.

Promotes Problem-Solving Skills

Playing with electric cars requires children to think critically and problem-solve. As highlighted by the team behind Kidaroos, there are different types of electric cars that have various features and functions. With these features, children are able to explore and experiment with different scenarios, such as navigating through obstacles or figuring out how to charge the car.

As they encounter challenges while playing, they develop problem-solving skills and learn to think outside the box in order to overcome these obstacles. For example, they may need to troubleshoot why one car is not moving or find a way to maneuver around obstacles while driving.

These problem-solving skills are crucial for children’s cognitive development and can be applied to real-life situations in the future. Electric car play offers a fun and engaging way for children to enhance their problem-solving abilities while having fun.

Encourages Imagination and Creativity

Electric cars are a blank canvas for children’s imagination to run wild. They can create imaginary scenarios and storylines as they play with their cars, incorporating other toys and elements to make the game more exciting. This type of open-ended play encourages children to think creatively and use their imagination without any limitations.

Moreover, as electric cars are still a relatively new concept for many children, they can also come up with unique ideas on how these vehicles can look and function in the future. It sparks curiosity and encourages children to think outside the box, ultimately fostering their creativity.

Introduces Sustainable Technology

With the growing concern for the environment, it’s essential to educate children about sustainable practices from a young age. Electric cars offer a perfect opportunity to introduce this concept in a fun and engaging way.

Through play, children can learn about clean energy and how electric cars are a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles. They can also understand the importance of reducing carbon emissions and taking care of the planet. By incorporating this knowledge early on, children can develop a sense of responsibility for the environment and make informed decisions in the future.

Enhances Fine Motor Skills

Playing with small electric cars requires children to use their fine motor skills, developing hand-eye coordination and dexterity. As they maneuver the cars around and operate the different features, they’re strengthening their fingers and hands’ muscles. This is crucial for children’s overall development, as these skills are necessary for everyday tasks such as writing and drawing.

Moreover, electric car play can also involve assembling or building the cars themselves, which further enhances fine motor skills and introduces children to basic engineering concepts. It’s a fun and hands-on way for children to improve their fine motor abilities while having a blast.

Develops Spatial Awareness

Driving electric cars around obstacles or through specific paths requires children to have a sense of spatial awareness. They need to understand the car’s position and how much space it has to maneuver through different environments. This can improve their spatial reasoning skills, which are essential for tasks like reading maps or following directions.

Furthermore, electric car play can also involve setting up mini-cities or landscapes for the cars to drive around in, which further enhances children’s understanding of space and perspective. It’s a fun and interactive way for children to develop crucial spatial awareness skills while playing with their electric cars.

Fosters Cooperative Play and Communication

Electric car play can also be a social activity, encouraging children to interact and communicate with one another. They can take turns driving the cars or work together to create imaginative scenarios. This type of cooperative play fosters essential social skills in children, such as sharing, taking turns, and communicating effectively.

Moreover, as electric car play involves problem-solving and creativity, children may need to work together to come up with solutions or ideas, promoting teamwork and collaboration. It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to develop their social skills while having fun with their friends.

Builds Resilience through Trial and Error

Playing with electric cars can also teach children resilience, as they encounter challenges and obstacles while driving. They may need to try different strategies or approaches to overcome these challenges, learning through trial and error. This process can build resilience in children as they learn that it’s okay to make mistakes and keep trying until they succeed.

Moreover, electric car play also introduces the concept of failure not being permanent but rather a stepping stone towards success. It encourages children to persevere and not give up when faced with difficulties, which is a crucial skill in developing resilience.

Teaches Responsibility for the Environment

Electric car play can also instill a sense of responsibility for the environment in children. As they learn about clean energy and sustainability through play, they can understand how their actions impact the planet. This can promote environmentally friendly habits and choices in children, such as turning off lights or conserving water.

Moreover, electric car play can also involve teaching children how to take care of their toys properly and recycle any parts or materials when they’re no longer usable. It’s a great way for children to learn about being responsible for their actions and making a positive impact on the environment.

Electric car play has many benefits for children, beyond just providing entertainment. From enhancing problem-solving skills to fostering imagination and creativity, this type of play can have a significant impact on a child’s development. It also introduces important concepts such as sustainable technology, fine motor skills, spatial awareness, cooperative play and communication, resilience, and responsibility for the environment. So, consider incorporating electric car play into your child’s or classroom’s activities to reap these benefits and have fun while doing so!

As a parent, you have a lot of things to worry about whenever it comes to keeping your child safe, happy, and healthy. You need to make sure they have the required resources.  You need to make sure they are able to grow.  And you need to catch problems before they get out of hand. This means that eventually, you are going to run into the signs of various issues.

One of the biggest issues that parents can run into are the signs that their child is struggling in school. No parent wants to see that, and nearly every parent wants to help but the way to help is not always evident. If you see these signs, follow the tips at the end of this article to help your child get back on track.

Your Child Is Spending A LOT Of Time on Homework

While teachers may joke that they give out too much homework and students moan at having to work on it, at least some homework is necessary Teachers have different opinions about it. Regardless, your student might have homework they breeze through because they know the subject inside and out, but other subjects might take them a while, even with your help.

They might be doing worksheets or playing interactive reading games on ABCmouse. But if your child is really trying and spending a lot of time on their homework and it is still taking them a while, they might have problems.

Homework is supposed to support and reinforce what the kids are learning in school, and if your child is having trouble with their homework, they could be having problems understanding the material.

Your Child Doesn’t Want to Talk About School

Some students might love gushing about school and how awesome it is. Others might simply shrug and say that it was fine. But if your child is constantly avoiding talking about school and constantly changes the subject, they might be struggling. Don’t be afraid to check in with the teachers for any problems, which leads to our next point.

Teachers Are Communicating with You

Generally, if a student is having trouble in the classroom, then the teachers will get the parent involved. If teachers are talking to you about your child’s low grades or issues keeping up in class, then you need to see this as a major sign. Don’t be afraid to talk to and work with the teachers in order to come up with a plan for how to help your child.

How Can You Help Your Child?

As a parent, we want to help our children as they move to become better students. But many parents don’t know how to help. So, they either put more pressure on the child or they focus on shoving resources and extra tutoring on them.

While these are good things to try, not every single problem can be solved by simply working harder, and you need to give your child a chance to explain why they are struggling.

They could be having issues in school due to peer pressure, problems with a teacher or how a teacher teaches, or issues with understanding a key feature of the material. Learning what is causing your child to have a problem can be very helpful. Not only does it give you as a parent something to work with, but it also helps with the child feeling like they are being listened to and seen.

Help Them Learn, Their Way

While schools tend to have one way of teaching, students often need to learn in a lot of different ways. Some learn through lectures and textbooks, while others learn by doing or watching videos. If you can help your child learn about how they learn, you can help them take on the content their way.

It might require a different approach to learning, but if you are patient and allow your child to learn at their own pace, they will eventually succeed.

Communicate With the School and The Teachers

Finally, keep an open line of dialogue not just with your child, but also with the teachers and the school as well. If you and your student can keep the lines of communication open, it is going to go a long way to helping everyone get your student back on track.

At the end of the day, everyone wants to help your student learn the material that they need to know. So don’t be afraid to take action if you see signs that your child is struggling, because they will need your support more than ever to help them achieve excellence.