Millions of young people worldwide use TikTok to connect with friends and express their creativity. But is TikTok safe for kids?
TikTok has come under fire for inappropriate content, cyberbullying, weak data security, and lackluster efforts to combat predatory behavior. It is also known to be highly addictive, which may lead to adverse effects on the health and well-being of users.
Thankfully, there are ways to protect your child from the risks of using TikTok. You can use TikTok’s parental controls and privacy settings to steer them clear of dangers. For instance, TikTok’s Family Pairing allows you to link your TikTok account to your child’s and:
- Limit your child’s screen time.
- Limit who can send messages to your child
- Manage their privacy and safety settings
- Choose whether they can have a private or public account.
Here’s how to set up Family Pairing on TikTok:
- Create a TikTok account and tap the profile icon on the homepage.
- Tap the hamburger menu icon, and select Settings and privacy.
- Tap Family Pairing and follow the instructions to link your account to your child’s account.
Continue reading for more information about the dangers of TikTok and how to improve the safety of TikTok for younger users.
Launched in 2016, TikTok (formerly known as Musical.ly) has captured the hearts of millions of users around the globe, especially young people. An estimated 30 percent of its one billion-plus users are aged 10 to 19. This begets the question; is TikTok safe for kids?
No place on the internet is completely safe for children (or unsuspecting adults). However, the presence of cyber bullies, predators, and inappropriate content makes TikTok dangerous for kids. There are several ways to make TikTok safe for your child, including optimizing their account security and privacy settings. We discuss these settings in detail below.
What is TikTok and Why Do Kids Love it?
TikTok was the most downloaded social media app in the world in 2020. It specializes in short-form videos; users can record, edit and share 15-second, one-minute, or three-minute videos. Users can do more than just post videos on Tiktok; you can also live stream and collaborate with other digital creators.
Young users make up a significant portion of TikTok’s users. But why do kids and teens love TikTok?
For starters, TikTok presents an endless stream of video content. The app’s “impressive algorithm” ensures you’re always one scroll away from a video that will capture your attention. From recipes to song covers, dance challenges, comedy skits, and even pool-cleaning videos — whatever your interests, there’s a TikTok video for you.
Social media influencers, celebrities, and brands now also have TikTok accounts, and fans may get noticed by their favorite stars if they interact with a video. Funny comments and exchanges on TikTok often get turned into videos — so you don’t even need to create videos to participate in a trend or receive widespread attention.
Generally, people love TikTok because it’s easy to use and offers a personalized experience; the algorithm recommends videos based on users’ interests. And, like any social media platform, we enjoy the attention we get from other users through likes, follows, and comments.
These same elements that make TikTok fun also make it a safety risk.
What are the Dangers of TikTok?
Besides security issues, TikTok poses other risks, particularly for younger kids. Studies show that excessive use of social media can lead to increased depression and anxiety and negatively affect users’ mental health. Social media platforms also expose kids to violent, graphic, or misinformed content that may not be suitable for them.
Below, we discuss the dangers of TikTok in detail.
1. Inappropriate content
TikTok allows creators to add popular songs to their videos, some containing curse words and sexual language. The way creators dance, or dress may also be inappropriate for younger viewers.
While TikTok for Younger Users — a version of the app for users under 13 — filters out mature content, some inappropriate content still makes it through. Users can block and report accounts or comments, but critics say TikTok is usually slow to address reports.
TikTok has also been criticized for failing to ban accounts that make sexually explicit comments on children’s accounts.
2. Effects on mental health
Social media addiction can take a toll on teens’ mental health. TikTok is notorious for its highly addictive nature. It can distract children from other activities, like studying, socializing, or being outdoors.
Kids can also fall into the trap of building their self-image around the number of likes, followers, or comments they receive online. This can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, eating disorders, and depression. It’s important to ensure your kids are using TikTok in a healthy way.
3. Predators and cyberbullying
TikTok allows users to comment on videos and send direct messages to other users. This opens children to bullying, harassment, and grooming. Cyberbullying and predators are rife on TikTok. To address concerns, in 2021, the company introduced a new feature that allows content creators to bulk delete comments and report accounts.
If your child’s account is public, strangers can view their content and send them messages. Kids on TikTok often want their videos to be liked; this makes them vulnerable to bullying, sexual exploitation, and other threats on TikTok.
Cyberbullies troll their targets and often make rude or hateful comments on their videos. TikTok allows users to approve comments before they are visible to the public, but this doesn’t keep the users from reading them, which can be harmful to kids’ mental health.
4. Poor data security
TikTok has a history of poor data security. In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fined TikTok $5.7 million for collecting the names, email addresses, and location data of children under 13.
In Sept. 2022, after a year-long investigation into TikTok’s processing of children’s data, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) submitted its draft decision to other “Concerned Supervisory Authorities across the EU.”
There are multiple ongoing investigations into TikTok’s data collection and security, most notably by U.S., Canadian, and European Union (EU) authorities. In recent months, several nations have banned TikTok from government devices due to concerns about the app’s security.
The data TikTok collects can be used to create detailed profiles and deliver targeted ads to users, including children. It could also be shared with third parties, and there’s the ever-present possibility that it can fall into the wrong hands or end up on the dark web in case of a breach.
5. Hyperconsumerism
Advertising is rife on TikTok. Many TikTok videos market particular products or services — some targeting kids and teens. These videos can influence kids to want to buy or try these products to be “cool” or “fit in.”
In a complaint filed with the European Commission in 2021, the European Consumer Organization (BEUC) accused TikTok of “forced consent” and said the app failed to protect children from “hidden advertising.” “Users are, for instance, triggered to participate in branded hashtag challenges where they are encouraged to create content on specific products,” the complaint said.
TikTok’s in-app currency, known as TikTok Coins, also supports consumerism. Users purchase the coins with real money and can spend them on “gifts” for content creators. Many famous TikTokers have competitions to see which followers can give them the ‘most expensive gift.” As a result, kids and teens can be manipulated into spending money to connect with their favorite creators.
6. Dangerous challenges
While TikTok challenges can be fun, they can put kids and teens at risk. For instance, the “blackout challenge” — where users choked themselves out till they went unconscious — led to the deaths of 20 children in 18 months, according to Bloomberg Businessweek. A majority of the victims were children under 12.
There have been many other equally dangerous challenges on TikTok, including the “tide pod challenge.” Teens are more susceptible to social pressures and are, therefore, more likely to partake in extreme challenges for the validation of their peers.
How to Set Up a Safe TikTok Account for Kids
Denying your kid access to TikTok will likely backfire, as they may use the platform behind your back without supervision. Instead, we recommend either looking into TikTok alternatives or guiding kids and teens to use TikTok safely. Here’s how to create a TikTok account for your child.
- Download and open the TikTok app from Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store.
- Select one of the options to create an account. We recommend using your phone or email as they’re the most secure option. We strongly advise against signing up using another app, like Instagram or Google.
- You will have to enter your child’s birthday. This is usually to verify that the user is at least 13 years of age.
- Enter an email address or phone number. We recommend creating an email address specifically for social media accounts, and don’t use your child’s real name.
- Create a secure password with a combination of numbers and letters that’s easy to remember.
- Verify the email address or phone number by entering the code you receive.
- Let your child pick a few interests — this will determine the kind of videos they see on the app. You can also choose to skip this step.
- Click Start Watching to complete the account setup process. Before using the app, customize TikTok’s security settings according to the instructions below.
TikTok Security Settings
TikTok has its issues, but it’s fun and can be a good outlet for creativity. The best way to ensure TikTok is safe for your child is to keep an eye on their usage of the app and speak to them openly about the risks of using that app. We also recommend optimizing the security settings of your child’s TikTok account.
To find these settings, go to the TikTok homepage and click the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Next, click on the three lines at the top right corner, and click on Privacy. You can change several security settings from this menu.
Discoverability
The options under Discoverability have to do with how people can find you (or how you find them) on TikTok. We suggest making the following changes:
- Private account: Turn on this option if your child is under 18. It ensures that only approved users can follow their account and watch their videos.
- Suggest your account to others: If you turn on any of these options, TikTok will store additional data, including your child’s phone number, Facebook information, contact details, and data on their internet activities (including the TikTok links they send). Teens aged 13 to 15 will have the setting turned off by default, and we recommend keeping it that way.
- Sync contacts and Facebook friends: This will give TikTok access to the contacts on your child’s device or Facebook. We recommend turning this off.
Personalization and data
The “Personalization and data” section determines how TikTok uses your teen’s data to deliver targeted advertisements. If these options are activated, TikTok and its third-party business partners will track your child’s internet activity to show them relevant ads. We recommend turning off these settings.
Safety
The last section on this page is Safety. One of the best ways to keep your kids safe on TikTok is to reduce their contact with strangers and harmful content. TikTok’s Safety features determine how others can interact with your child on the platform.
- Downloads: If your child’s TikTok account is set to private, this is automatically turned off, so others cannot download their videos. It’s generally impossible to download videos from users under 16. While 16 to 17-year-olds will have the feature turned off by default, they can change it anytime.
- Comments: You can choose who can comment on your child’s videos, approve comments before they become visible, and filter out offensive words. Teens aged 13 to 15 can only choose to permit comments from “Friends” or “No one.”
- Following List, Duet, Stitch: TikTok lets you choose who can see your followers and the videos you’ve liked. You can also control who can duet your videos (show your content side-by-side with theirs) and stitch your videos (add your video to theirs). To control how people interact with your page and content, change your privacy settings to “Friends,” “Followers,” or “Only Me.”
Note: No one can Duet or Stitch a video created by a user younger than 16. And, by default, only “Friends” can Duet or Stitch videos created by 16 to 17-year-olds.
- Direct Messages: You choose who can send your teen direct messages. The options are “Friends” or “No one.” Depending on your teen’s age, direct messages may not be available.
Security and login
Under “Security and login,” TikTok users can run a report for security alerts, see what devices their account is logged in on, and manage third-party apps. Any authorized third-party app connected to your child’s TikTok account can access their location, contacts, camera, photos, and calendar.
Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security that prevents others from logging into your child’s TikTok account if their password is compromised. Your child can select a method to verify their account — text, email, or password.
How to Block and Report TikTok Content
Another feature worth knowing is how to report and block harmful content, comments, or users. When you report harmful content, it is flagged by TikTok, reviewed, and removed from the platform.
How to report a video or comment
- Tap and hold a video or comment, and a pop-up will appear.
- Select Report.
- Select a reason.
How to block or report an account
- Go to the account profile page.
- Click on the three dots at the top right corner and find the flag icon that says Report.
- Choose Report Account or Block.
TikTok Parental Controls
Within TikTok’s security settings, there are three specific parental controls to help parents create a safer experience for their children. Each of these parental controls requires a passcode. This ensures that children can’t change the settings.
These three parental controls are:
- Screen Time Management
- Restricted Mode
- Family Pairing
Screen Time Management
This feature lets you manage your child’s screen time on TikTok. You can choose a 40, 60, 90, or 120-minute daily time limit. When your child reaches their limit, they must enter a passcode to keep scrolling. Alternatively, you could allow them to keep using the app through the Family Pairing feature (which we’ll talk about below).
To set screen time limits and content filters for your child, go to the “Settings and privacy” page and choose Digital Wellbeing.
Restricted Mode
Under Digital Wellbeing, you’ll also see Restricted Mode. Turning on this algorithm-based feature limits mature or otherwise inappropriate content from popping up on your child’s “For You” page. To turn on Restricted Mode, you need to set a four-digit passcode.
Family Pairing
Family Pairing gives you more control over the privacy settings of your child’s account. To activate Family Pairing, you’ll need to connect your TikTok account to your child’s account through a QR code. All you need is a TikTok account and your teen’s phone to complete this process.
- Under Content and Activity, go to Family Pairing.
- When prompted, choose Parent.
- Follow the prompt and scan the QR code to link both accounts. Once you’ve done that, you can control some settings on your teen’s account.
How Does TikTok Protect Kids?
TikTok for Younger Users was created in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) requirements.
Technically, kids under 13 can’t sign up for a regular TikTok account. However, TikTok knows kids can falsify their birthdates to sign up anyway. To address this, the company created TikTok for Younger Users.
How does TikTok for Younger Users work?
TikTok for Younger Users is similar to the regular TikTok app but has additional privacy features. For example, users can’t publicly share personal information, including their videos and profile details.
TikTok collects fewer user data from the TikTok for Younger Users app, but it’s still a significant amount of information. Among other things, TikTok collects registration details, including users’ names, birth dates, usernames, and passwords. According to its privacy policy, TikTok for Younger Users also collects data about your child’s device, including their IP address, browser details, location, and app activity data like time spent in the app, videos watched, and general usage information.
Does this design make TikTok safe for 10-year-olds? Probably not. We recommend supervising your child’s usage of the app. There are many great social media apps designed specifically for younger users, like PopJam.
What data does TikTok collect?
TikTok collects a lot of user data by default. The company shares this data with third parties like business partners, service providers, and advertisers. The following is what TikTok collects about its users on the regular TikTok app and TikTok for Younger Users, according to the company’s privacy policy.
| Data TikTok collects | Regular users (aged 13+) | Younger users (13 years or below) |
|---|---|---|
| Login information | Username and password | Username and password |
| Personal information | Date of birth, proof of identity or age* | Date of birth |
| Contact information | Email and/or telephone number | Email and/or telephone number |
| Profile information | Profile photo, profile video, and other information disclosed on the user’s profile | — |
| Device information | IP address, user agent, mobile carrier, time zone settings, identifiers for advertising purposes, model of your device, the device system, network type, device IDs, screen resolution and operating system, app and file names and types, keystroke patterns or rhythms, battery state, audio settings, and connected audio devices | Device ID, IP address, web browser type, and version |
| Location | Location information based on SIM card and/or IP address, precise location data (such as GPS)* | Country-level location |
| App activity | Preferences, list of followers, and list of following | Video watches, time in the app, and general usage data |
| User content | Photographs, video and audio files users upload or create, comments and live streams, clipboard data* | — |
| Contacts | Phone contact list, Facebook contact list | — |
| In-app purchases | Purchases made, date and time when purchases were made, and amount spent | — |
| Payment information | Payment card numbers or third-party payment information (such as PayPal) | — |
* This data is collected with additional user permission or under specific circumstances. For instance, proof of identity is required when verifying users applying for a Pro Account.
How to Make TikTok Safe for Kids: General Tips
Ensuring your child’s safety on the internet can be tricky. A typical 10-year-old doesn’t care about data security. They probably just want to watch funny videos on their phone.
The good news is that caring about internet safety comes with age and experience. In time, your kids will begin exercising initiative and protecting themselves online. In the meantime, however, you must educate them about internet safety and online privacy.
You can (and should!) also familiarize yourself with TikTok’s security settings to make sure those settings are optimized on your child’s account. Below, we provide general pointers on how to keep kids safe on TikTok.
1. Get to know the app
It’s important that parents also create a TikTok account and familiarize themselves with the software. With a TikTok account, you can connect your account to your child’s using the Family Pairing feature.
Using the app also allows you to keep up with TikTok trends and speak to your child about dangerous TikTok challenges to avoid. Ask your teen about the content creators they like and follow them.
Here’s what we suggest you pay attention to on the app:
- Music choices are often based on popular music and may have curse words or lyrics you don’t think are appropriate for your child.
- Filters that change your child’s appearance can affect their self-esteem and body image.
- Top influencers that your child follows on the app. Get to know who is popular and what type of content they share.
- TikTok’s Guardians Guide contains tips and resources on cyberbullying, safety, and other topics.
2. Talk to your kids about your TikTok safety concerns
Talk to your kids about TikTok and your safety concerns, like the dangers of having a public profile or talking to strangers. Here are some tips:
- Let them know how you plan to monitor their activities to keep them safe on TikTok. Whether you’re checking on them through a paired account, content filtering, or monitoring their app activity, make sure they know. There are a lot of creeps and trolls out there, and it’s your job to help your teen navigate the web safely — just like you do in real life. Explain to them that it’ll be more fun if they don’t need to worry about inappropriate messages or hateful comments on their videos.
- Tell them you know how easy it is to get addicted to social media and make sure they have other fun activities to do. Schedule time to go on hikes, play games as a family, or go on a social-media-free camping trip with friends. Research shows that time offline and outdoors improves mental health.
- Remind your teen that likes and followers don’t define them. Highlight their many wonderful attributes and explain to them that they shouldn’t base their self-image on social media. Boosting your teen’s self-esteem and talking things through will help them build the resilience they need to deal with issues that come up on TikTok and other parts of the web.
- Talk to them often about social media — the good, the bad, and the ugly. Make videos together, be silly, and don’t judge them. Tell them about what you do on social media, too. This creates an open line of communication, so if they experience something unpleasant, they’ll feel comfortable telling you about it.
TikTok Safety for Kids and Teens
TikTok can be fun, but it can also be dangerous for your child’s well-being. It’s important to ensure your child is using the app safely.
The key is to understand the risk and maintain open communication with your kids about your concerns and their experiences online. The odds are they’ll already know about some of the problems with social media and will be glad to know their privacy settings are optimized for their safety. This way, they can have fun creating, socializing, and connecting.
To learn more about online safety for your kids, read our guides to keeping children safe online:
- Internet Safety for Kids: How to Keep Children Safe Online
- Is Likee Safe for Kids? A Security Review of the TikTok Clone
- Is Facebook Messenger Kids Safe?
- Is YouTube Kids Safe?
- Is Instagram Safe for Kids?
- Is Snapchat Safe For Kids? Advice for Parents
- Is Discord Safe for Kids?
- Is Fortnite Safe For Kids? A Complete Guide For Parents
Do you have questions about how to make TikTok safe for kids? Check out the FAQs below for answers. If you don’t find the answer to the question on your mind, leave us a comment.
The minimum age for TikTok users is 13 years old. However, children under 13 can use TikTok for Younger Users — a version of the app that offers a similar but limited experience with additional safety and privacy features.
Yes. TikTok for Younger Users was created for kids 13 years old and below. The app collects less data than the regular TikTok app — but it still collects users’ names, birth dates, usernames, and passwords.
Many of the videos on TikTok may be inappropriate for younger viewers as they contain offensive language, suggestive dancing or clothing, and hurtful comments. Read our guide to keeping kids safe on TikTok for information about how to protect your child from inappropriate content on the app.
While it can be dangerous, banning your child from using TikTok is counterproductive as they can access it behind your back. Instead, set the ground rules and guide them to use the app safely. Our guide to keeping TikTok safe for kids contains practical tips for parents.
