Parents urged to keep kids off TikTok as graphic video circulates

Parents are being warned to keep their children off TikTok  today as a graphic video circulates on the social media platform.

The video, which appears to depict an American man taking his own life, was first shared on August 31 in a livestream on Facebook. It has since been removed from Facebook.

The footage has since also shared in a number of forums online, including Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

In a statement, TikTok said it was aware of users attempting to upload the video and has put measures in place to detect and delete the footage before it is viewed.

"We're aware that clips of a suicide that was livestreamed on Facebook have recently circulated on other platforms, including TikTok. Our systems have been automatically detecting and flagging these clips for violating our Community Guidelines," TikTok said in a statement.

"We're removing content and banning accounts that repeatedly try to upload clips, and we appreciate our community members who've reported content and warned others against watching, engaging, or sharing such videos on any platform out of respect for the individual and their loved ones.

"If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide, or concerned about someone who is, we encourage you to reach out to a loved one or a local support service."

News of the video has prompted some experts to recommend that parents keep their children off the app for 24 hours while the content is removed.

Cyber safety education group ySafe Solutions took to their Facebook page to warn parents of potentially graphic footage.

"We suggest that kids do not use TikTok today to give the original video and videos that have been reposted time to be taken down by the platforms," it said.

"The video has also been thought to be circulating on Instagram and Twitter."

Another education group, Safe on Social Media, urged parents to supervise their children's social media use.

"The clip is extremely graphic and has yet to be moderated," it said.

"Should this image appear in any of your feeds scroll past. Please advise all older students to do the same.

"We strongly recommend keeping your children offline today if possible, and heavily supervise all social media interactions until this content is removed.

"Check with your children to determine if they have viewed this clip. They are likely to be extremely distressed."

Offensive, illegal and harmful content online can be reported to eSafety here.

BEYOND BLUE 1300 22 4636

HEADSPACE https://headspace.org.au/

LIFELINE 13 11 14

KIDS HELPLINE 1800 55 1800