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 recommendation feed can show unsuitable content. The For You feed is shaped by viewing behaviour and can narrow what a child sees or recommend more adult or intense content.
• Contact surfaces can reach unknown people. TikTok disables direct messages for under-16s, but comments, followers and accounts with incorrect ages can still create contact with people a child does not know.
• LIVE creates real-time contact. Accounts registered as 18+ can host LIVE, with comments, gifts and attention from viewers in real time.
• Endless feed can make time hard to notice. Auto-play and personalisation make short sessions easy to extend beyond what was planned.
• Data collection is extensive. TikTok collects signals about what users watch, how long they watch, and how they interact with content.

Settings to check

Note: TikTok disables direct messages for accounts under 16 and sets accounts aged 13–15 to private by default. Older teen accounts have other defaults and restrictions. Family Pairing lets parents link their account to a teen’s account to manage screen time, content filters, search and messaging where those features are available.

1. Check Private Account: Open Profile → ☰ → Settings and privacy → Privacy → Private Account.
2. Restrict Direct Messages: Open Profile → ☰ → Settings and privacy → Privacy → Direct Messages and set to “Don’t receive”.
3. Restrict comments, Duets and Stitches: Open Profile → ☰ → Settings and privacy → Privacy → Comments, Duet and Stitch and set to “Friends” or “Off”.
4. Connect Family Pairing: Open Profile → ☰ → Settings and privacy → Family Pairing and connect parent and teen accounts.
5. Set screen time: Open Family Pairing or Profile → ☰ → Settings and privacy → Screen Time and choose a daily limit.
6. Turn off location access: Disable TikTok’s location permission in iOS/Android app settings.

How to talk about it

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

“How do you notice the For You feed shaping what you see more or less of?”

“What makes a trend or video feel okay to join in with, and what makes you skip it?”

Last reviewed: July 2026