From dance challenges to funny videos, TikTok has taken the world by storm. But is TikTok safe for kids? We’ll get into that issue and help you discover ways to keep your child safe on the app.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a social networking app where users can create, share, and discover videos and photos. Videos can be as short as 3 seconds and as long as 60 minutes.
Users can browse content made by others, and the app uses an algorithm to serve up personalized content on its For You Page. Hashtags are used to group videos that correspond with things like memes, current events, or challenges.
As of 2024, TikTok remains one of the top apps for teens ages 13–17. About 67% of teens say they use TikTok, and 16% of teens say they use it almost constantly, according to Pew Research Center.
TikTok risks for kids
As fun as it can be, TikTok does have serious downsides. Here are the primary risks kids face when using TikTok:
Exposure to inappropriate content. The fact that you can find just about anything on TikTok is part of its appeal, but it’s also what potentially exposes kids to age-inappropriate content.
Exploitation. According to a recent report by Forbes, predators are using TikTok to exploit minors by giving money and gifts in exchange for the child performing sexually suggestive acts on TikTok Live.
Difficulty focusing. Experts warn that watching endless short videos makes it difficult for younger viewers to focus on slower-paced activities. The consequences of this fragmented attention has been dubbed TikTok Brain.
Addiction. Research suggests that the personalized video recommendations served up by TikTok’s algorithm activate the reward centers of the brain, which can lead to addictive behaviors. TikTok’s own investigation showed that an average user is likely to become addicted to the app after viewing videos for just under 35 minutes.
Negative body image. The data is clear that social media can have a negative impact on how kids feel about their own bodies. TikTok’s internal documentation revealed the company tweaked its algorithm to increase the reach of videos by conventionally attractive creators and to reduce the visibility of creators the company deemed unattractive.
Dangerous “rabbit holes.” Research by Amnesty International revealed that users whose activity on the app signals an interest in mental health issues often quickly have their For You Page flooded with potentially harmful content, including videos that romanticize self-harm and suicide. The same concern also exists for videos promoting disordered eating.
Flimsy age verification. The minimum age to have a TikTok account is 13, but there’s no age-verification process for new accounts, so kids can easily fib.
How safe is TikTok for kids?
The safety of TikTok comes down to how your child uses it. For example, posting dance challenges on a private account to share with their friends is much safer than having a public account. You can further minimize the risks by monitoring their app use, taking advantage of safety features, and helping teach them how to use the app responsibly.
Here are some tips for how to help your child use TikTok safely:
Start at the right age. TikTok’s minimum age for full accounts is 13 (with limited-access accounts for kids under 13). However, due to the risks, TikTok is more appropriate for teens 15 and up.
Set up Family Pairing. TikTok’s Family Pairing allows for supervised accounts for minors. Parents can use these tools to filter out keywords, turn on restricted mode, set time limits, and more.
Establish limits. Talk to your child about the risks of too much screen time and the importance of balancing device use with other activities. Set limits on how much they can use TikTok and add it to your family’s digital device contract.
Final thoughts
Although TikTok poses inherent risks for younger users, it’s possible for kids to use the app safely if the proper precautions are put into place.
