As a school, keeping our children safe is at the forefront of everything we do. As such, when we learn of any issues which could endanger children, we act upon them immediately.
We have learned many children in KS2 (and some KS1) are downloading and using called a video app called Tik Tok. This app is for children over 13 and used to be known as musical.ly. It was re-branded as Tik Tok after serious safety and safeguarding issues were brought to light. This app allows messaging and the sending of videos. The age restriction on this app is 13 years or older, so no primary age children should actually have access to an account.
Tik Tok can share music with inappropriate lyrics, can show mature content - unsuitable for the ages of your children, is addictive in nature, allows in-app purchases and allows strangers to see the videos posted, and comment on them. It also, by default, makes all accounts public so anyone on the app can see what your child shares.
In school we take E-Safety very seriously and the children have assemblies and class activities to make sure they understand the importance of staying safe online. Should you wish to talk about this issue any further with your child/children, please see the Tik Tok parent guidance sheet below.
There is an ever-increasing number of Apps that may be designed innocently but can be used by perpetrators. Please ensure that your child is only accessing age appropriate apps.