Category: Social Media Safety

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 today’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.

Many teenagers today spend approximately three hours a day on social media, a fact that is increasingly being observed by experts in relation to their mental health. Although these platforms can provide a sense of community, they also pose potential risks, such as exposure to unrealistic standards and cyberbullying.

Studies show clear implications for the mental health of young users, highlighting the need for parental intervention and guidance. In-depth knowledge about social media’s influence allows for thoughtful discussions on how to mitigate its negative effects on adolescents’ mental health.

To comprehend the scope of this issue thoroughly, let’s delve deeper into the research documenting the correlation between social media use and mental health in teenagers.

The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health

The scope of social media use amongst teenagers is broad, with a survey in 2022 revealing that an impressive 95% of teens use it.

However, it’s equally important to realize that this widespread use may have significant implications for their mental well-being. Studies suggest a correlation between using social media for more than three hours a day and an increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression among adolescents.

Additionally, the feeling of loneliness and an adverse self-image, potentially fueled by unrealistic content on various platforms, can be concerning. Cyberbullying on social media is another factor, contributing to heightened emotional stress and inadequacy.

The Surgeon General, recognizing these potential impacts on young people’s mental health in the digital age, encourages a proactive approach in mitigating associated stressors. For parents concerned about their teen’s internet usage and its effects, White River Academy offers specialized out-of-state treatment programs for internet addiction and other behavioral challenges facing adolescent boys.

Benefits and Risks of Social Media Use by Teens

Social media serves as an essential platform for teens looking for acceptance and support, with 58% reportedly feeling more included, and 67% discovering support through online interactions.

However, there are also negatives to consider. Extended use can heighten the risks of anxiety and depression. The widespread presence of idealized images could contribute to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, especially among girls.

Cyberbullying is a serious issue on these platforms, negatively impacting mental health, especially in susceptible teens. Even though social media often gives a sense of community, its superficial nature can contribute to feelings of loneliness.

Content Concerns and the Results of Excessive Social Media Use

While social media can be fascinating and engaging particularly for teenagers, it’s important to address the potential concerns related to its content and the effects of overuse. These concerns could significantly influence one’s mental health.

• A connection has been found between exposure to harmful content and increased rates of suicide and self-harm tendencies.

• Idealized beauty standards depicted online may contribute to the development of eating disorders.

• Excessive use of social media can contribute to heightened levels of anxiety and depression.

• Overuse can also lead to altered routines which may result in sleep disturbances and a sense of social isolation.

Recognize the impact of social media on personal well-being.

It’s critical not to let negative factors like cyberbullying, distorted body image perceptions, or platform algorithms impact your self-esteem and overall sense of happiness.

Tips for Regulating Your Teen’s Social Media Use

In preparation for your child’s teenage years, it is prudent to formulate a social media strategy. Implement guidelines that regulate screen time to safeguard their mental health.

Encourage teens to switch off their devices an hour before bedtime to maintain good sleep habits, a measure that can directly link to managing anxiety and depression levels. Maintaining a device-free environment in bedrooms and allotting ample time for offline activities can contribute significantly to emotional health.

Consistently reassess and tune these guidelines, with a continuous emphasis on academic obligations and overall well-being. It should be recognized that unchecked social media use can potentially contribute to increased stress and depression levels.

Encouraging open dialogue about their social media usage and any subsequent issues is important. As a parent or guardian, your engagement is a pivotal factor in fostering a balanced digital life, which has a direct effect on the overall health of your teenager.

Effective Strategies for Healthy Social Media Use

Open communication about social media use can provide a safe environment for teenagers to discuss their online experiences or ask for assistance when needed.

Parental involvement can be beneficial, acting as guidance rather than intrusion, and can greatly contribute to a teenager’s mental well-being.

Consider implementing practical strategies such as:

• Establishing clear guidelines for social media use
• Educating on responsible social media practices
• Encouraging effective time management for screen use
• Using role modeling as a strategy to positively shape a teenager’s online behavior.

Conclusion

Social media, while having its advantages, can negatively impact teenagers’ mental health, exacerbating issues such as anxiety and depression. Conversely, it can also create a sense of community and support among peers. As a parent, your involvement is essential. It’s important to establish guidelines, facilitate open discussions, and exhibit sensible online behaviors. Encouraging your teen to forge a balanced relationship with social media can be seminal, combining its positive aspects while mitigating potential risks. The goal should not be to prohibit access, but to promote thoughtful and respectful usage.

In the age of social media, it’s tempting for parents to share cute photos and videos of their children online. However, this common practice comes with potential risks that many parents fail to consider. Sharing children’s images publicly could expose them to danger from online predators or impact their digital footprint later in life.

While avoiding oversharing is wise, there are safer ways to let friends and family enjoy photos of your little ones.

The Dangers of Oversharing Children’s Photos Publicly

Posting identifiable photos of your children on public social media accounts creates risks you may not have contemplated. For one, these images could end up in the hands of paedophiles or other criminals seeking to exploit or harm children. It is well known that paedophiles actively seek out photos of children on unsecured social media accounts to distribute child sexual abuse material. Even if you choose to share innocuous family photos, criminals can use these images inappropriately.

Additionally, what seems harmless now may come back to haunt your child later in life. Colleges, universities, employers and others often search candidates online before accepting them. Childhood photos showing embarrassing moments or private family activities could negatively impact your child’s future opportunities if shared widely. Your child has no choice in you posting their photos online. It’s best to consider their privacy and avoid oversharing identifiable photos of minors publicly.

Sharing Photos More Safely with Family and Friends

While discretion is advised for public social media sharing, you can still let loved ones enjoy adorable moments with your children online. Using privacy settings and services designed for family sharing can allow you to share treasured photos safely.

• Limit Access with Privacy Settings – On platforms like Facebook, double-check that your privacy settings for photo albums and posts are set to “Friends only”, not “Public”. Regularly review who has access to your content. Also, ask friends and family not to share photos you post of your children on their own public pages or profiles.

• Utilise Family Sharing Sites and Apps – Certain sites and apps create private, closed communities for family sharing, such as Kapshoo. Users must be approved connections to gain access to your family’s photos. You can also remove users easily if needed. Family members can still fawn over how quickly your children are growing up without increasing their exposure online.

• Strip Metadata from Photos – Before posting any photos of your children, be sure to remove metadata like geotags from image files. Metadata can transmit potentially sensitive information, like exactly when and where a photo was taken. For children’s safety, it’s best to strip out these details before sharing photos digitally.

Educating Teens on Social Media Use

Once your child is old enough to use social media themselves, discuss appropriate sharing and privacy settings. Make sure they understand the importance of being selective about what images they share publicly online. Emphasise that photos posted can have unintended consequences in the future.

While social media makes it easy to share children’s photos with the world, parents should carefully consider children’s privacy and safety first. Avoid over-posting identifiable images of minors publicly. For safer sharing with loved ones, use privacy settings, family sharing platforms and metadata removal to let the important people in your child’s life watch them grow up without unnecessary risk.

Posting picture online is a fun and popular way to connect with friends, family, and even a broader audience. But whether you’re looking to share a pic on social media or a website, there are safety measures to keep in mind to ensure sure your pictures are shared securely and responsibly.

This may seem like an old topic, but the potential risks associated with sharing photos have grown. From privacy concerns to the possibility of unintended audiences, a single picture has the power to reach far beyond its intended scope if the proper precautions aren’t taken.

How to Post Pictures Safely Online

Whether you’re posting a selfie, a photo of a family event, or a photo of your friends, here’s a simple guide to help you share your pics with confidence and security.  Being aware of each photo platform matters as well.

Choose Your Platform Wisely

Different platforms offer different experiences and privacy controls:

• Social Media is ideal for casual sharing when you want to connect with a personal audience. Always check privacy settings to control who can see your posts.  Popular platforms include Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok Photo Mode, Snapchat, Tumblr, and Twitter.

• Photo Sharing Sites can be useful for sharing large albums with specific people. Some allow you to set visibility to “private,” “friends-only,” or “public.” Popular sites include Google Photos, Flickr, Photobucket, SmugMug, Adobe Portfolio, and Dropbox.

Check Privacy Settings

Each platform has privacy settings that allow you to control who can view your photos. Before you post:

• Adjust Visibility: Most platforms let you choose whether a post is public, friends-only, or restricted to specific people.

• Tagging Controls: On social media, control whether others can tag you or others in your photos.

• Review Security Options: Make sure you’re aware of any third-party permissions or connections, especially on platforms like Facebook that link to other apps.

Be Selective with Personal Information

While sharing moments online can be fun, it’s wise to avoid sharing too much personal information:

• Avoid Geotags and Location Data: Turning off location data can help keep your location private, especially if the picture is taken at home, school, or other personal spots.

• Watch Out for Background Details: Details in the background, like mail with addresses, car license plates, or school names, can unintentionally reveal personal information.

Optimize Image Quality and Size

Uploading high-quality photos ensures they look their best online, but large files can be slow to upload and may not display well on all devices.

• Resize Images if Needed: Many platforms recommend or automatically adjust image sizes. This helps your images load faster while still looking sharp.

• Use Editing Tools: Basic tools can help enhance lighting, contrast, and colors before posting. Just be careful not to over-edit—natural photos often perform better

Be Mindful of Copyright and Permissions

If your photo includes other people or recognizable brands:

• Ask for Consent: If you’re posting photos of others, especially kids or private events, ask for permission first.

• Give Credit: If you’re sharing content created by someone else, such as a professional photographer, make sure to credit them properly.

• Use Watermarks: For photos you’ve taken yourself, consider using watermarks to prevent unauthorized use or sharing.

Engage Responsibly

Once you post your photos, engagement is likely to follow! Here are some tips for handling comments and interactions:

• Monitor Comments: If your photos are public, keep an eye on comments for any inappropriate or negative interactions. Many platforms allow you to moderate comments or limit who can comment on your posts.

• Respond Thoughtfully: Positive engagement can boost your post’s visibility and make your photos more memorable for viewers.

• Report Inappropriate Content: If you notice that your photos are being used without permission, or if you receive unwanted comments, report these issues directly to the platform.

Final Thoughts

Posting pictures online can be a fantastic way to share your life and creativity. By keeping these tips in mind, you can protect your privacy, ensure quality, and make the most of your online presence in a safe manner.  Whether you’re sharing a family snapshot or your latest artistic creation, a little care goes a long way in keeping your photos secure and enjoyable for all. It’s all part of the complete picture in regards to cybersecurity.

Stay Aware of Your Digital Footprint

Regularly review your posts and consider deleting older content that no longer reflects you or your goals. Some platforms offer “archive” features, allowing you to hide old posts without deleting them permanently.

Meta, the umbrella company for a variety of popular products, such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp, has just implemented their latest effort in responding to government and public pressure to protect their users online.

The latest development is a bold one.  As of September 17^th, Instagram’s teen accounts are now in effect for anyone between the ages of 13 and 17.  Children at ages up to 12 have long been protected, not just on social media but in any online setting.  See COPPA (USA) and GDRP (EU), as well as data protection laws worldwide.  

Until now, teens on Instagram were treated the same way as adults. With the new teen accounts, privacy settings are on by default to protect against unwanted interactions.  Sensitive content will also be blocked, direct messaging will be better restricted, and parents have more control over their child’s digital experience.

To combat against teens who may lie about their age to operate an adult account, Instagram will require age verification in more instances and ban any user who is caught.

So, what is the nitty gritty of all this?  Let’s break it down.

Teen Accounts on Instagram

Privacy is the key component that drives this new focus on protecting teens on Instagram.  So, we’ll begin with that point, followed by exploring the other new features of teen accounts.

Stricter Privacy for New Users

The default setting for any new account will default to private. From the get-go of signing up for a new account, teens will only be able to interact with people they already follow.

For teens who already have adult accounts, Instagram will send notifications prompting them to switch to private. Over the upcoming months, existing accounts will automatically migrate over to teens accounts for anyone aged 13 to 17.

Direct Messaging

Direct messaging settings will be stricter.  Teens will only receive messages from people they follow. This aims to prevent inappropriate communication, not just from adults but also from peers they aren’t connected with.

By limiting messaging access, Instagram strives to ensure a safer and more controlled communication environment.

Content Filtering

Instagram’s new content filtering mechanisms will further protect teens by hiding sensitive material. Specific search terms will be blocked.  This includes topics related to self-harm and eating disorders, even if it’s posted by someone they follow.

Basically, the aim is to prevent exposure to harmful content that could negatively affect mental health. Meta has been working with mental health experts to fine-tune these filters to ensure age-appropriate content for younger users. Additionally, teens will be directed to mental health resources.

This added layer of protection will be especially reassuring for parents worried about the kind of content their children might stumble upon while using the app.

Enhanced Tools for Parents

Parents are also going to get enhanced tools to supervise their teens’ activity. Instagram’s parental supervision features now allow parents to set limits on screen time, block the app during certain hours, and even approve or deny changes to their teen’s privacy settings.

For instance, if a teen wants to switch their account from private to public, parents will be notified and can make the final call. These updates are part of Meta’s broader effort to promote healthier digital habits and ensure that teens can navigate online spaces more safely.

Further Measures to Promote Mental Health

Overall mental health for children and teens is another big push behind new laws and policies being implemented across all social media platform.  So, in addition to what we’ve already highlighted regarding Instagram’s teen accounts, here are a few other things they are implementing.

Nudging Teens to Take Breaks

Instagram is expanding on its “nudge” features, which are prompts encouraging teens to take breaks from the app, particularly during late-night hours. These nudges are designed to promote healthier digital habits and mitigate the risk of social media overuse, which has been linked to negative mental health outcomes.

Time-Spent Monitoring

In addition to parental control tools, Instagram has introduced features that monitor time spent on the platform. Teens and parents can track how long the app is used each day, with Instagram pushing teens toward a balance of online and offline activities. Parents can set daily screen time limits, encouraging healthier social media consumption​.

Guided Conversations and Resources for Parents

Instagram’s new features are designed to foster better communication between parents and their teens. Alongside these changes, Meta has created resources to help guide conversations about responsible social media use. These resources provide tips on discussing digital safety and setting boundaries, allowing for ongoing parental engagement​.

Expansion Beyond Instagram

The effort to protect children and teens continues to evolve.  These new protective measures are also extending across all of Meta’s platforms, including Facebook.  Digital safety, mental health, and built-in controls for parents for minors under their care are the key components to ensuring a better co-existence between social media and interactions within the real world.

With pressure on Meta to do better by law makers, and all companies for that matter where privacy is concerned, as well as the advisory on social-media by the the U.S Surgeon General, it’s safe to say that the conversation around digital safety is far from over.