TikTok is a vibrant social media app that’s popular for creating, sharing, and watching short video clips. Since its launch in 2017, TikTok has gathered a whopping 700 million monthly users, making it a trending sensation. However, despite its charm, the app isn’t without its drawbacks. From promoting app addiction to being a platform for hate speech or clickbait scams, TikTok is becoming a concern, especially for parents. This article will guide you through a detailed step-by-step process on how to block TikTok on an Android device.

Understanding TikTok

The allure of fast content is quite the rage today, which is why TikTok videos have taken the internet by storm. Launched to fill the void left by other similar platforms, TikTok rapidly gained popularity by offering an engaging mix of lip-sync, comedy, and music videos.

Unlike its competitors like Facebook and YouTube, which share advertising revenue with users, TikTok doesn’t. Instead, it has inbuilt monetization tools that allow verified users to earn money under certain conditions.

The Dark Side of TikTok

Despite its entertaining façade, TikTok harbors several disadvantages that can be harmful if misused. For some, the app has become a stage for targeted cyberbullying. Others find themselves glued to the screen for hours, increasing their screen time and leading to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression. The key to using the app without falling victim to its harmful effects is balance and control over screen time. However, blocking the app might be the best solution for those who struggle with this.

Blocking TikTok on Android: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are a couple of ways to block the TikTok app on your Android phone:

Using the Freedom App

  1. Download Freedom: Open the Google Play Store and download the “Freedom” app.
  2. Add Blocklist: Open the Freedom app and click on “Blocklist.” This list contains websites and apps you want to block on your phone.
  3. Name Your Blocklist: Give your blocklist a name to easily identify it.
  4. Add TikTok to Your Blocklist: Tap “Add Blocklist,” enter “tiktok.com”, then click “Add Site.” Alternatively, you can choose TikTok from the apps list.
  5. Save Blocklist: Save your blocklist by clicking the “Save” button.
  6. Start Blocking Session: To block TikTok, click on the “Start Session” button and choose the blocklist you just created.
  7. Schedule a Session: If you prefer to block TikTok at a later time, schedule a session by tapping the session icon.
  8. Recurring Session: To set a recurring block session, tap on “Recurring,” choose your start and end times, select the days to block the app, and click “Create a Schedule.”

TikTok Parental Control

TikTok is mainly used by teenagers, which raises concerns among parents about the content their children interact with. Thankfully, TikTok has introduced parental control options to mitigate these concerns.

In the app’s “Security” tab, parents can safeguard their children’s profiles by limiting who they connect with. While TikTok profiles are public by default, they can be switched to private. Additionally, the “Allow others to find me” option can be turned off to prevent strangers from discovering your child’s profile.

Conclusion

While every app has its downsides, it’s crucial to utilize them positively. With TikTok, minor adjustments can make a huge difference, offering protection from potential harm. Following the steps outlined in this guide can help provide a safer online environment for your children and bring peace of mind to you as a parent.

FAQ

Do Well-Known Brands Use TikTok?

Indeed, many well-known brands use TikTok as a unique way to reach new audiences and boost brand awareness.

Who Is TikTok For?

Approximately 66% of TikTok users are under 30, making it a platform predominantly used by younger audiences.