TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in Kenya. The app allows users to create short, looping videos that can be shared with friends and followers. TikTok has been praised for its creativity and its ability to connect people from all over the world. However, in recent months, there has been growing concern about the amount of inappropriate content that is being shared on the platform.
A recent study by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) found that 40% of the TikTok videos that were reviewed contained some form of inappropriate content. The most common types of inappropriate content included nudity, sexual activity, and violence. The KFCB has warned that the proliferation of inappropriate content on TikTok is a threat to the moral fabric of Kenyan society.
Also Read: CA Pushes for Child Online Protection During Kenya’s National Drama and Film Festival
There are a number of reasons why inappropriate content is becoming so common on TikTok. One reason is that the app’s algorithm is designed to promote videos that are viewed and shared frequently. This means that videos that are sexually suggestive or violent are more likely to be seen by a wider audience. Additionally, TikTok’s user base is largely made up of young people who are still developing their understanding of appropriate and inappropriate behavior. As a result, they may be more likely to share or view inappropriate content without fully understanding the potential consequences.
The rise of inappropriate content on TikTok has a number of negative consequences. First, it can expose children and young people to inappropriate material. This can have a negative impact on their development and can lead to them engaging in risky or harmful behaviors. Second, inappropriate content can make people feel uncomfortable or unsafe. This can lead to people avoiding the app altogether, which can deprive them of the benefits that TikTok can offer. Third, the proliferation of inappropriate content can damage the reputation of TikTok and make it less appealing to advertisers.
There are a number of things that can be done to address the problem of inappropriate content on TikTok. First, TikTok could change its algorithm to promote videos that are safe and appropriate for all audiences in the country. Additionally, TikTok could implement stricter policies on the types of content that are allowed on the platform like in other countries. Finally, TikTok could educate its users about the dangers of inappropriate content and encourage them to report any inappropriate content that they see.
I never believed in algorithm manipulation until I opened my TikTok in China. In China TikTok throws back at you only positive stuff. Their youth excelling in music, engineering, sports, social life etc. The African algorithms show you pranks, silly jokes, girls dancing half…
— KINYAONE BINTIY (@KenyaOn70901895) May 12, 2023
In addition to the above, here are some other things that parents can do to help protect their children from inappropriate content on TikTok:
- Talk to your children about the dangers of inappropriate content. Explain to them that it is not appropriate to share or view this type of material and that it can have negative consequences.
- Set screen time limits for your children. This will help to reduce the amount of time that they spend on TikTok and the amount of inappropriate content that they are exposed to.
- Monitor your children’s TikTok activity. Keep an eye on the videos that they watch and the people that they follow. If you see anything that concerns you, talk to your children about it.
- Use parental control apps. These apps can help you to block inappropriate content from your children’s devices.
By taking these steps, you can help to protect your children from the dangers of inappropriate content on TikTok.
Here are some parental control apps that you can use to help protect your children from inappropriate content on TikTok:
- Google Family Link: Google Family Link is a free parental control app that allows you to set screen time limits, block apps, and see what your child is doing on their phone.
- Qustodio: Qustodio is a comprehensive parental control app that offers a wide range of features, including screen time limits, app blocking, location tracking, and web filtering.
- Norton Family: Norton Family is another popular parental control app that offers a variety of features, including screen time limits, app blocking, and web filtering.
- Net Nanny: Net Nanny is a parental control app that focuses on protecting children from inappropriate content. It offers features such as website filtering, app blocking, and content filtering.
- OurPact: OurPact is a parental control app that focuses on building positive relationships between parents and children. It offers features such as screen time limits, app blocking, and location tracking.
- Bark: Bark is a parental control app that focuses on cyberbullying and online predators. It offers features such as cyberbullying alerts, online predators alerts, and screen time limits.
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