TikTok

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a video app where users create and watch short-form videos (typically 15 seconds to 60 minutes). The app is powered by a powerful algorithm that learns what you like and shows you more of it — this is called the For You feed. TikTok also offers live streaming, direct messages (DMs), duets (reacting to someone else’s video side by side) and stitches (incorporating a clip from someone else’s video into your own).

Age rating: 13 (but many younger children use it).

Why do kids like it?

• Creative expression. It’s easy to create and edit videos with music, filters and effects. Many children feel like creators, not just viewers.
• Viral potential. A video from anyone can suddenly be seen by millions. That’s exciting and motivating.
• Entertainment. The For You feed serves an endless stream of content tailored to individual interests. There’s always something new.
• Trends and challenges. Dances, sounds and formats spread rapidly. Joining in feels like being part of something shared.
• Community. Children find others with the same interests — from art and cooking to gaming and comedy.

What are the real risks?

• The algorithm can surface inappropriate content. The For You feed is not curated by humans. It can gradually lead children towards content about self-harm, eating disorders, extreme views or sexualised material.
• DMs from strangers. TikTok disables DMs for under-16s, but teens who registered with a false age may still receive messages from unknown contacts.
• Live streaming exposes children to unknown viewers. Only users 16+ can go live. When they do, they broadcast to anyone and receive real-time comments, friend requests and attention from strangers.
• Addictive by design. Endless scrolling, auto-play and personalisation are designed to keep users in the app as long as possible.
• Data collection. TikTok collects large amounts of data about its users, including what they watch, for how long, and how they interact.
• Dangerous challenges and edited content. Viral trends can involve physical risk or social pressure, and heavy filtering and editing can create unrealistic expectations about appearance.

Settings to check

Note: TikTok automatically restricts DMs, Duets, Stitches and comments for accounts aged 13–15, and sets all teen accounts (13–17) to private with a 1-hour daily screen time limit. The settings below let you verify and adjust beyond those defaults.

1. Private account: Profile → ☰ → Settings and privacy → Privacy → turn on “Private Account”. People must request to follow, and only followers can see the videos.
2. Restrict DMs: Profile → ☰ → Settings and privacy → Privacy → “Direct Messages” → set to “Don’t receive”.
3. Comments: Profile → ☰ → Settings and privacy → Privacy → “Comments” → set to “Friends” or turn off comments. You can also enable comment filters.
4. Turn off location: Disable location access in your phone’s settings for TikTok.
5. Family Pairing: Profile → ☰ → Settings and privacy → “Family Pairing” where parents can link their account to their child’s. This gives control over screen time, DMs, content filters and search.
6. Screen time management: Via Family Pairing or Profile → ☰ → Settings and privacy → “Screen Time”, set daily time limits.
7. Restrict Duets and Stitches: Profile → ☰ → Settings and privacy → Privacy → “Duet” and “Stitch” → set to “Friends” or “Off”.

How to talk about it

“Who are your favourite creators on TikTok? Can you show me something you think is funny?”

“The For You page shows you things TikTok thinks you’ll want to see — but that means the app decides a lot of what you see. Have you ever come across something weird or uncomfortable?”

“Some challenges on TikTok might look fun, but some are actually dangerous. If you see something that seems risky, we can talk about it.”

Last reviewed: April 2026