TikTok hosts roundtable on social media safety in Salt Lake

Introduction

Concerns over teens and their online activities have prompted local lawmakers and school districts to sue the social media app TikTok due to its perceived harm to young people in West Jordan. In response to these concerns, TikTok's head of trust and safety in the U.S., Susie Loftus, visited Utah to discuss features designed to ensure the safety of younger users.

One significant safety feature Loftus highlighted is the app's family pairing function, which allows parents to link their accounts to their teens’ accounts. This feature enables parents to monitor their child's content and privacy settings. Loftus explained that there are already measures in place to protect minors engaged with the platform. Despite these efforts, a recent survey indicated that while 40% of teens regularly discuss their online experiences with their parents, many still refrain from addressing more challenging topics.

As the number of users continues to grow, ensuring safety across the platform remains a complex issue. Advocates, including local businesses and social media influencers, are actively working to promote TikTok amidst ongoing legal challenges. Utah lawmakers have initiated a lawsuit against the app, citing concerns about potential mental health issues and the risk of sexual exploitation among children. A recent ruling ordered TikTok to comply with subpoenas issued by the state of Utah. Senate President J. Stewart Adams emphasized the legislative commitment to protect children and maintain the proper management of social media in Utah.

For social media influencer Brielle Adams Wheatley, who boasts over 4 million followers on TikTok, the app has profoundly impacted her life for the better. However, she acknowledges the prevailing safety concerns parents have regarding their children’s online engagement. Adams Wheatley appreciates the growing vigilance regarding the content presented to younger audiences and the desire for a safer online environment. A court hearing concerning TikTok's motion to dismiss the state's lawsuit is scheduled for December in Salt Lake City.

Keywords

TikTok, teens, social media safety, family pairing, local lawmakers, mental health issues, sexual exploitation, influencer, Utah, court hearing.

FAQ

1. Why are lawmakers suing TikTok?
Lawmakers are suing TikTok due to concerns about the platform's potential mental health impacts on children and the risk of sexual exploitation.

2. What safety features does TikTok offer for younger users?
TikTok offers a family pairing feature that allows parents to link their accounts with their teens', enabling them to monitor content and privacy settings.

3. How often do teens discuss their online experiences with their parents?
About 60% of teens talk with their parents about their online experiences at least once a week, but 40% admit to not discussing tougher topics.

4. Who is Brielle Adams Wheatley, and what is her stance on TikTok?
Brielle Adams Wheatley is a social media influencer with over 4 million followers on TikTok. She believes the app has changed her life positively but recognizes the safety concerns that parents have.

5. When is the next court hearing regarding TikTok’s lawsuit?
The next court hearing regarding TikTok's motion to dismiss the state's lawsuit is scheduled for December in Salt Lake City.