How to block kids from using TikTok’s ‘Live’ feature at night?

As a parent, you want to ensure your child’s safety and well-being online. TikTok Live, a feature that allows users to broadcast live videos, can pose potential risks, especially at night. You may be concerned about inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or even exposure to predators. Protecting your child from these dangers is essential, and that’s why understanding how to block them from using TikTok Live during nighttime hours is crucial.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to manage your child’s TikTok experience, promoting a safer online environment for them. By limiting access to TikTok Live during the night, you can help ensure they are not exposed to potentially harmful content or interactions. Read on to discover effective strategies and solutions to implement this crucial safety measure.

Utilizing TikTok’s Built-in Parental Controls

TikTok offers built-in parental controls that allow you to manage your child’s app usage, including restricting access to the ‘Live’ feature during specific hours. Here’s how you can utilize these settings:

1. Accessing TikTok’s Settings:

• Open the TikTok app and tap on the ‘Profile’ icon in the bottom right corner.
• Tap on the three horizontal dots in the top right corner of your profile.
• Select ‘Settings and privacy’.

2. Using ‘Digital Wellbeing’:

• Under ‘Settings and privacy’, tap on ‘Digital Wellbeing’.
• Select ‘Daily Limit’ to set a daily time limit for your child’s TikTok usage.
• Enable ‘Downtime’ to set a time period each day when your child cannot access TikTok. You can customize this setting to restrict ‘Live’ access during specific hours, such as at night.

3. Exploring ‘Family Pairing’:

• Tap on ‘Family Pairing’ within the ‘Settings and privacy’ menu.
• You can link your account with your child’s account and manage their settings from your device. This allows you to restrict ‘Live’ access during specific hours, limit content viewership, and control other settings.

4. Utilizing ‘Restricted Mode’:

• Under ‘Settings and privacy’, tap on ‘Content’ and enable ‘Restricted Mode’.
• This feature filters out content that may not be suitable for your child.

By using these features, you can effectively manage your child’s TikTok experience and restrict their access to ‘Live’ content during designated hours, such as at night.

Employing Third-Party Parental Control Apps

You can use reputable third-party apps specifically designed for parental control over app usage. These apps can restrict access to certain apps during specific times, such as at night. They can also block specific content, such as inappropriate videos or messages, and monitor your child’s online activity.

Here are some popular and reliable parental control apps available on various platforms:

• Google Family Link is a free app that allows parents to set screen time limits, block apps, and manage web browsing on Android devices.
• OurPact is another free app that lets parents set schedules for app usage, block apps, and track location. It is available on both iOS and Android devices.
• Qustodio is a paid app that offers a more comprehensive set of features, including website filtering, app blocking, screen time limits, and location tracking. It is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac devices.
• Norton Family Premier is a paid app that provides advanced parental control features, including website filtering, app blocking, screen time limits, location tracking, and social media monitoring. It is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac devices.
• mSpy is a paid app that offers advanced parental control features, including call recording, text message monitoring, location tracking, and social media monitoring. It is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac devices.

Setting Up Device-Level Restrictions

You can limit your child’s TikTok usage at night by setting device-level restrictions on their smartphone or tablet. Here’s how:

Android:

• On most Android devices, you can set app usage limits and block specific apps at certain times using the built-in Digital Wellbeing feature.
• Go to Settings, then Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
• Select App Timers or App Blocking and set the desired restrictions for TikTok or block the app entirely during specific hours.

iOS:

• For iPhones and iPads, you can use Screen Time settings to limit app usage or block certain apps at specific times.
• Go to Settings, then Screen Time.
• Tap App Limits, then Add Limit, and select TikTok.
• Set the desired time limit for TikTok usage.
• You can also use the Downtime feature to block TikTok and other apps during specific hours.

Other Devices:

• For devices with custom operating systems, you can check their specific documentation for parental control settings.

These device-level restrictions can help prevent your child from using TikTok’s Live feature during designated times. You can adjust the settings based on your child’s age and needs.

Remember, open communication is key. Talk to your kids about online safety and responsible social media use. Explain the risks of live streaming at night and encourage them to be mindful of their online presence. Regular monitoring of their online activity is crucial. Stay informed about new features and potential risks associated with platforms like TikTok. Remember to adapt your strategies as needed to ensure your child’s safety and well-being in the digital world. You can also encourage them to follow safety tips, like only accepting friend requests from people they know and reporting any suspicious activity.