Is TikTok safe for kids? A parent’s guide to TikTok

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media app that allows users to create short videos and share them with others. TikTok users can also follow other creators and engage with their content. Although it’s popular among adults, children are particularly fond of the app. TikTok captivates kids and teens by offering engaging short-form entertainment and quick content consumption — a superformula that keeps them glued to their screens.

On TikTok, kids can create and post videos that showcase their talents and interests. They can participate in viral challenges, dance routines, and lip-sync to popular songs. They can also make comedy skits, share DIY projects, and create videos about their hobbies. Additionally, they can watch content from friends and favorite influencers and discover new trends.

However, the online platform isn’t all fun and games. In 2023, TikTok was fined roughly $370 million for mishandling child data. That same year, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office issued a £12.7 million fine to TikTok for multiple breaches of data protection law, including failing to use children’s personal data lawfully. So is TikTok a safe space for children?

Is TikTok safe for kids?

TikTok is as safe as any other social media platform, but it’s not very safe for children, especially regarding privacy. No matter the safety measures in place, multiple studies and TikTok’s spotty history suggest the platform has risks. ^{1, 2}

TikTok has implemented several safety measures to make the app safer for kids. These steps aim to protect younger users and gradually introduce them to more features as they grow older.

• Users must be at least 13 years old to create their own account.
• For kids aged 13 to 15, TikTok automatically sets their accounts to private. A private account means they can’t send or receive direct messages, and only their friends can comment on their videos.
• When users turn 16, they can access private messaging and start recording and posting live videos.

However, children can easily bypass age verification by entering a fake birthdate. Additionally, despite the various safety measures, kids can still encounter inappropriate videos, privacy risks, and cyberbullying. Parents have to stay vigilant and educate their children about online safety to make their TikTok experience as secure as possible.

Is TikTok appropriate for kids?

According to a 2023 report by Common Sense Media, nearly half (45%) of surveyed girls who use TikTok say they feel “addicted” to the platform. ¹ TikTok may be appropriate for kids if they are supervised and safety settings are in place. However, much of TikTok’s content can’t be fully controlled or filtered, which is a major concern for parents. Other concerns range from data privacy issues to addictiveness. Supervision and proper settings help, but parents should stay aware of the potential risks.

Dangers of TikTok for kids

While the app can be fun and engaging, it exposes young users to risks that can impact their safety and well-being. So why is TikTok dangerous for kids? Let’s explore some of the specific dangers that come with using TikTok.

• Inappropriate content

• Cyberbullying

• Data privacy

• Mental health

• Contact with strangers

• Addiction

Inappropriate content

TikTok offers a mix of content, from comedy skits and dance routines to lip-syncing videos, but not all of it is safe for kids. Despite TikTok’s rules against inappropriate content, its filtering system isn’t perfect. A 2021 study by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) revealed that over 30% of videos it analyzed promoted white supremacy, 24% supported extremist groups, and others spread Holocaust denial and anti-Semitic messaging. ²

TikTok challenges, tagged with hashtags, invite users to join in on various trends. Some inspire creativity and fun, like the #BlindingLightsChallenge or the #ArtChallenge. However, others, such as the #FireChallenge and the #PassOutChallenge, can be extremely dangerous. It’s important for parents to stay aware of what their kids are watching and participating in and to have open conversations about the risks involved with certain online trends.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is any form of online abuse meant to make someone feel worthless and vulnerable. On TikTok, the barrier to committing such acts is very low — a simple swipe of a finger can launch a hurtful attack on someone. When teenagers face cyberbullying, they are at risk of depression and even suicidal thoughts. ³

The most common form of cyberbullying on TikTok is leaving hateful comments. While comments can offer praise and support, they can also be mean and hurtful. Negative remarks about someone’s appearance or behavior can be especially damaging for teens who may already struggle with self-esteem or body image. Addressing and preventing cyberbullying is crucial to protecting the mental health and well-being of young users.

Data privacy

The app collects a lot of user data, including location, device information, and browsing history. In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission fined TikTok $5.7 million for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Recently, many people have expressed concern that TikTok might spy on its users. Although these allegations were never publicly confirmed, it’s understandable why parents might worry about how their children’s data is used and who has access to it.

Mental health

Researchers from the University of Minnesota found that TikTok has both positive and negative impacts on mental health. On the positive side, TikTok can provide valuable mental health information and foster a sense of community.

However, users may frequently watch and engage with harmful or distressing content. In that case, the app’s algorithm will repeatedly show similar material, leading them into a dangerous cycle of harmful and distressing content. Study participants struggled to escape this negative content, even when using the “Not interested” button, which they reported made no difference in their feeds.

Contact with strangers

TikTok turns off direct messages and duets for kids under 16. However, older teens with access to these features can receive explicit messages from predators. Kids can also fake their birthdate to bypass age controls and access restricted features.

Strangers on TikTok may have harmful intentions that lead to cyberbullying, harassment, or exploitation. Predators may target and groom young users, making them vulnerable to abuse. Peer pressure from other users can push kids to engage in risky activities they wouldn’t normally consider.

Addiction

A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health looked at the impact of TikTok addiction. Researchers found that teens addicted to TikTok had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. These mental health issues were linked to reduced memory. ⁴

Parents might be concerned about TikTok addiction in their kids because it can also impact cognitive development, social interaction, and behavior, leading to irritability and social isolation. Children and teens may become less interested in face-to-face interactions and more reliant on virtual validation. Additionally, excessive screen time can cause physical health problems such as eye strain and poor sleep patterns. ⁵

How to make TikTok safe for kids

TikTok uses several measures to make the platform safer for teens:

• Teens (all users aged 13-17) can’t host a LIVE, but they can watch them.
• Teen accounts are set to private by default. Once they turn 16, they can switch their private account to a public one.
• Teens can’t send or receive virtual gifts or buy/sell products on the TikTok shop.
• Daily screen time for teens is set to 60 minutes.
• The "Suggest your account to others" feature is off by default.
• Kids aged 13-15 can’t have their content shown in the “For you” feed.
• Users under 16 can’t have their own videos duetted or stitched.
• Users aged 13-15 can’t have their videos downloaded.
• Users under 16 can’t receive comments from other users except for their friends.
• Kids aged 13-15 don’t receive push notifications after 9 pm.
• Teens aged 16-17 don’t receive push notifications after 10 pm.
• Only users aged 16 and up can use direct messaging.

There are also steps you as a parent can take to help make TikTok a safer space for your offspring:

1. 1.Enable “Restricted mode.” In “Restricted mode,” parents can limit their teen’s exposure to content that may not be appropriate or suitable for them. You can enable this mode directly on your child’s TikTok account.
2. 2.Set screen time limits. The app limits screen time for teens automatically. However, you can set your own limits and create a password that your child must enter to continue using the app. You can enable this feature directly on your child’s TikTok account.
3. 3.Set up the “Family pairing” mode. This feature on TikTok allows parents to link to their teenager’s TikTok account and control content and privacy settings. Parents can also use "Family pairing" to manage screen time and limit or turn off direct messages.
4. 4.Make sure your child’s account is set up with the correct age. The majority of TikTok’s features are available only to users 16 and older. Safety and privacy settings for those under 16 work only if the account has the correct birth year. However, kids can enter a false birth year to bypass these restrictions.
5. 5.Talk to your child about internet safety. Educate yourself and your child about internet safety for kids, especially when using TikTok, to protect their personal information and help them avoid online risks, such as cyberbullying, scams, and inappropriate or mature content.
6. 6.Check your child’s TikTok usage. By checking your child’s activity, you can guide and educate them on responsible online behavior.
7. 7.If necessary, delete your child’s account. This step may be necessary if monitoring and setting parental controls are not enough to ensure your kid’s safety and well-being. Deleting a TikTok account might be the last resort, but it can be necessary if your child faces ongoing cyberbullying, exposure to mature content, or unsafe interactions with strangers.
8. 8.Use an external parental control app. As an extra step, choose a reliable external parental control app to safeguard and monitor your child’s safety on TikTok.
9. 9.Use a screen-look function. Both Android and iPhone devices offer features that allow you to lock the phone screen to prevent kids from navigating away from the app. For example, within the TikTok app on an iPhone, you can lock specific parts of the screen. This allows your child to only swipe through TikToks from accounts you’ve pre-approved. This feature ensures they stay within the safe, curated content you’ve selected for them.

How to turn on “Family pairing” mode on TikTok

The “Family pairing” mode is a TikTok feature that lets parents and teens customize safety settings to meet their needs. Parents can set controls, manage screen time, restrict content, and limit direct messaging by linking their TikTok accounts to their teen’s.

To set up the “Family pairing” feature and link parent and teen accounts on TikTok:

1. 1.

   Open the TikTok app and tap “Profile” at the bottom right corner.

   
2. 2.

   Tap the “Menu” (☰) button at the top right.

   
3. 3.

   Select “Settings and privacy.”

   
4. 4.

   Tap “Family pairing.”

   
5. 5.

   Tap “Continue.”

   
6. 6.

   Tap “Parent” or “Teen,” then tap “Next.”

   
7. 7.

   Follow the steps to link the accounts (either scan the code or send an invite).

   

How to set up screen time management on TikTok

The daily screen time feature helps parents manage their child’s TikTok usage. You can set a daily limit for your kid and receive a notification when they reach it. Daily screen time settings are also available in the “Family pairing” mode.

To set up screen time management on TikTok:

1. 1.

   Open the TikTok app and tap “Profile” at the bottom right corner.

   
2. 2.

   Tap the “Menu” (☰) button at the top right.

   
3. 3.

   Select “Settings and privacy.”

   
4. 4.

   Tap “Screen time.”

   
5. 5.

   Tap “Daily screen time.”

   
6. 6.

   Tap “Set daily screen time.”

   
7. 7.

   Follow the steps in the app to set or edit a daily limit.

How to turn on “Restricted mode” on TikTok

To turn “Restricted mode” on:

1. 1.

   Open the TikTok app and tap “Profile” at the bottom right corner.

   
2. 2.

   Tap the “Menu” (☰) button at the top right.

   
3. 3.

   Select “Settings and privacy.”

   
4. 4.

   Tap “Content preferences.”

   
5. 5.

   Tap “Restricted mode.”

   
6. 6.

   Tap “Turn on.”

   
7. 7.

   Follow the steps to set a passcode.

   
8. 8.

   Re-enter your passcode and tap “Set.”

   
9. 9.

   The ”Restricted mode” is now on.

   

You can also turn on “Restricted mode” for your teen’s account through “Family pairing.”

Is there a kid version of TikTok?

Yes, TikTok for kids is called "TikTok for younger users." This app creates a safe space for children under 13. It offers carefully selected TikTok videos and limits features like commenting, messaging, and sharing personal information.

In this limited version of the app, kids can’t share their videos, comment on others' videos, message users, or have a profile and followers. They can still enjoy TikTok by watching curated content and using its fun and creative features.

TikTok alternatives for kids

Even with TikTok’s safety measures, you might still prefer your child not to use the app. If so, consider other social media apps that your child can enjoy instead of TikTok.

• Grom Social
• Funimate
• Triller
• Zigazoo Kids
• Dubsmash
• PopJam

The verdict

So is TikTok good for kids, or is TikTok bad for kids? No social media app is entirely safe for children, but TikTok has implemented measures like screen time limits and privacy settings to help protect them. Parents can further improve their child’s online safety by enabling “Family pairing” or “Restricted mode” and actively monitoring their child’s activity. Whether TikTok is suitable for your child ultimately depends on effectively using parental controls and staying involved in their online experience.

References

¹ Common Sense Media. (n.d.). How girls really feel about social media. Common Sense. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/research/report/how-girls-really-feel-about-social-media-researchreport_web_final_2.pdf

² Institute for Strategic Dialogue. (2021). HateScape: An in-depth analysis of extremism and hate speech on TikTok. Retrieved from https://www.isdglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/HateScape_v5.pdf

³ Lin, Z. (2023). Analysis of the Psychological Impact of TikTok on Contemporary Teenagers. SHS Web of Conferences. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202315701024

⁴ Sha, P., and Dong, X. (2021). The indirect effect of depression, anxiety, and stress between TikTok use disorder and memory loss among Chinese adolescents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168820

⁵ Nakshine, V. S., Thute, P., Khatib, M. N., et al. (2022). Increased Screen Time as a Cause of Declining Physical, Psychological Health, and Sleep Patterns: A Literary Review. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30051