FOSI and TikTok to Host Internet Safety Seminars

The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) and TikTok will be hosting a series of internet safety seminars starting in January 2020. These seminars aim to help parents understand the tools and controls available to navigate the digital world and ensure their family's online safety.

Parents who want to learn more about online safety are encouraged to attend the digital safety sessions featuring Stephen Balkam, CEO and founder of the Family Online Safety Institute. The sessions will cover topics such as establishing ground rules for safe device use, initiating conversations with teens about responsible internet use, and being a good digital role model. Additionally, parents will learn about the specific tools and controls built into TikTok, the leading platform for short-form videos. Popular TikTok creators will also join the sessions to share their experiences and how they safely use the app.

According to Stephen Balkam, one of the best ways for parents to keep their families safe is to understand the apps and programs that teenagers use today. TikTok has gained significant popularity among teens, and FOSI and TikTok are committed to helping parents initiate open dialogues with their children about online safety in an ever-evolving digital world.

Kudzi Chikumbu, Director of Creator Community at TikTok, emphasizes their commitment to keeping the community safe through policies, product features, people, and partnerships. TikTok is pleased to partner with FOSI to educate parents about online safety, their platform, and the tools and controls they have developed. They are excited to meet parents and have their creators share their experiences. Together, they aim to build a community where creativity can thrive.

The national internet safety tour will begin in Washington, D.C. on January 30th at 6:30 pm, with additional dates to be announced for Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City. Parents interested in attending one of the meetings in their city can email education@tiktok.com for more details.

FOSI is an international non-profit organization dedicated to making the online world safer for kids and families. They bring together leaders from industry, government, and non-profit sectors to collaborate and develop innovative solutions and policies in online safety. Through research, resources, events, and special projects, FOSI promotes a culture of responsibility online and encourages digital citizenship for all. FOSI's membership includes leading internet and telecommunications companies worldwide.