How to block kids from seeing TikTok ads with mature content?

TikTok is a popular social media platform loved by millions, but it’s also home to a wide range of content, some of which may not be appropriate for children. This can be a concern for parents, especially given the platform’s large audience of minors.

While TikTok has features designed to protect children, they can be limited. This article will provide practical solutions to help you keep your kids safe by blocking mature ads from appearing on their TikTok feeds.

Navigating TikTok’s Parental Controls

TikTok offers a range of parental control tools to help you manage the content your child sees. Here’s how to use them effectively:

1. Setting up a Child’s Account:

• If your child is under 13, they need to create an account under TikTok’s “Family Pairing” feature. You’ll need to have your own TikTok account to create a paired account for your child.
• When setting up a child’s account, you can choose to limit their screen time, manage their direct messages, and set their privacy settings.

2. Enabling Restricted Mode:

• Restricted mode helps filter out videos that may be inappropriate for younger audiences. To enable it, go to your child’s profile, tap on the three dots in the top right corner, and select “Settings and Privacy.”
• Choose “Digital Wellbeing” and then toggle on “Restricted Mode.”

3. Customizing Content Restrictions:

• TikTok allows you to customize content restrictions based on age and themes. You can find these settings under “Settings and Privacy” > “Digital Wellbeing.”
• Use the slider to adjust the age rating for content your child can view.
• You can also restrict certain themes, such as “Violence” or “Sexual Content.”

4. Blocking Specific Accounts and Keywords:

• You can block specific TikTok accounts that you don’t want your child to see.
• You can also block keywords that you don’t want your child to encounter in the “Restricted Words” section.

5. Ongoing Monitoring:

• It’s important to monitor your child’s TikTok activity regularly and adjust the settings as they get older and their interests change.
• You should also talk to your child about online safety and responsible social media use.

Remember, TikTok’s parental controls are just one layer of protection. You should also use other methods to ensure your child’s safety online, such as discussing appropriate content with them and monitoring their device usage.

Third-Party Parental Control Apps

You can also try third-party apps designed to enhance parental control over app usage, including TikTok.

Popular options include:

• Google Family Link – allows you to set screen time limits, block apps, and manage content.
• Qustodio – offers features like website filtering, app blocking, and location tracking.
• Bark – focuses on monitoring online activity and detecting potentially harmful content.

These apps can extend TikTok’s built-in protections by blocking access to specific apps or websites and setting time limits for usage.

Open Communication and Digital Literacy

Open communication is key to protecting your child from inappropriate content on platforms like TikTok. It’s essential to have honest conversations with them about online safety and responsible social media use. Explain the importance of age-appropriate content and the potential dangers of engaging with strangers online. Teach them how to identify and avoid mature content, emphasizing the importance of privacy and critical thinking when consuming online information. Empower them to make responsible choices by understanding the consequences of their actions online.

By adopting a multifaceted approach, you can effectively combat the display of inappropriate ads on TikTok.

Remember, the digital landscape is constantly evolving, and so are TikTok’s policies and features. Stay informed about updates to ensure you’re using the most effective strategies. With these tools, you can create a safer and more age-appropriate online experience for your children.