TikTok to 'equip families with tools' to have better conversations about online safety

Tiktok has launched a new 'Digital Safety Partnership for Families' to help boost communication between parents and teenagers about online safety

In recent research, which surveyed 1,000 parents of 13-19 year old, seven out of 10 parents said they don't fully comprehend what their teens are doing online.

It found that 52% of parents said their child spends a significant amount of time on the internet; gaming, watching videos and socialising, yet one in three have no online safety rules established for their teenagers.

Almost half (46%) said find it challenging to discuss online safety with their children due to fear of giving incorrect advice.

They confessed that their teens know more about the online world than they do, but 57% are eager to learn more about it.

The study was commissioned by TikTok, which is launching a new Digital Safety Partnership for Families, supported by Internet Matters, to emphasise the importance of fostering open conversations between parents and their teens about online safety.

Valiant Richey, Global Head of Outreach and Partnerships - Trust & Safety, at the video sharing platform, said the partnership is about allowing parents to have better conversations about the online world that's cemented in trust, rather than monitoring everything their children do.

To clarify, he said: "We aim to empower young people to make smart choices and feel safe and confident in their online interactions."

"We like to say, 'know the rules, use the tools', as we know that for parents, knowledge truly is power when it comes to nurturing digital responsibility and safety in their homes."

The recent study revealed that 61% of parents have made a conscious effort to become more digitally savvy, describing themselves as more clued up than they were five years ago.

But despite this, 64% still find it challenging to keep up with online trends and 15% don't use the same platforms as their teens, making it more difficult to offer advice.

Two thirds (62%) have set rules with their children on what they can and can't do online, but they also believe there needs to be recognition that teens and online platforms must take responsibility for how to use online platforms responsibly.

While 70% are aware that parental control tools on social media apps exist, only 22% know about them and use them, with a further 33% who do know about them, not planning on using them.

Valiant Richey added: "We're equipping families with the tools and insights to engage teens in meaningful discussions about digital wellbeing, building confidence and understanding."