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Online Safety - TikTok and WhatsApp

Updated: Jan 17, 2022

Online spaces, games and media form a large part of life for young people growing up today. They offer platforms to connect with others and to learn. Apps can be a positive place for children to socialise with peers. Many enable instant messaging, social networking and image sharing. Online Safety Guidance for Parents | SWGfL


As part of our focus on Online Safety, we want to be able to support parents and carers by providing up to date information.


Allowing children to use some apps online can come with risks. We often have to support children when they have been exposed to harm online, are upset or bullied online, or see inappropriate content online. In our experience, TikTok and WhatsApp are two of the most common apps used by children where this can take place and both are not eligible to be used by primary school aged children.


The following information comes from Social media guides - UK Safer Internet Centre


TikTok

Age requirements13 years +

To sign up for TikTok, you must verify that your age is over 13.


WhatsApp

Age requirements16 years +

To be eligible to sign up for this service, you must be at least 16 years of age.


We understand the pressures parents are under to allow their children to use age inappropriate apps. We will support you at home by teaching the children in school to consider:

  • Privacy settings and age relevance

  • Talking to them about the content they share

  • Discussing the consequences of sharing messages and image

  • Developing positive online behaviours and habits

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about keeping your child safe online. You can also report online abuse by visiting CEOP



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