X (Twitter)

What is X?

X (formerly known as Twitter) is a microblogging and social media app controlled by Elon Musk through X Corp. Users publish short posts, repost others’ content, join Spaces (live audio), send direct messages (DMs), and follow topics through Communities. Since the rebrand from Twitter, the platform has changed its approach to content moderation, introduced paid verification (blue checkmarks), and adjusted the algorithm that determines what users see in their feed.

Age limit: 13 years (16 in the EU and UK)

Why do kids like it?

• Real-time everything. X is often the fastest source for breaking news, sports commentary, and live events — including audio Spaces where users can join live discussions on trending topics.
• Celebrities and creators. Many kids follow their favourite artists, esports players, YouTubers, and other public figures directly.
• Memes and viral threads. The app is known for humour, viral moments, and entertaining content threads.
• Fan communities. K-pop fans, gaming communities, anime enthusiasts, and others have thriving spaces on X.

What are the real risks?

• Reduced content moderation. Since 2023, X has reduced moderation staff and softened several content policies. Explicit content, hate speech, and misinformation are more visible than on comparable platforms.
• Hostile public interactions. Posts can be quote-shared with harsh commentary, and reply sections can be aggressive. Children who post publicly may face pile-ons or have personal information reshared.
• Stranger contact through DMs. DMs are restricted to mutual followers by default, but users can enable messages from anyone. If this is turned on, strangers can message your child directly.
• Algorithm-driven content exposure. The recommendation algorithm may surface extreme political content, misleading material, or age-inappropriate posts — even from accounts your child does not follow.

Settings to check

1. Protect posts (make account private): Go to Settings → Privacy and Safety → Audience and Tagging → enable “Protect your posts”. Only approved followers can see posts.
2. Restrict direct messages: Go to Settings → Privacy and Safety → Direct Messages → set to “Only people you follow” or turn off message requests entirely.
3. Enable sensitive content filter: Go to Settings → Privacy and Safety → Content You See → enable content filters so explicit material is hidden.
4. Mute and block: Use the mute and block features to remove unwanted accounts and words from the feed.
5. Disable location on posts: Go to Settings → Privacy and Safety → Location Information → turn off “Add location information to your posts”.
6. Review connected apps: Go to Settings → Security and Account Access → Apps → remove any apps your child does not actively use.
7. Enable two-factor authentication: Go to Settings → Security and Account Access → Security → enable Two-Factor Authentication.
8. Limit who can reply: Select “Accounts you follow” or “Only people you mention” when publishing a post to control who can respond.
9. Disable discoverability by email/phone: Go to Settings → Privacy and Safety → Discoverability → turn off “Let others find you by email/phone number”.

How to talk about it

“Do you mostly read on X, or do you post things too? Have you thought about who can see what you share?”

“Have you seen discussions on X that get really aggressive? What do you do when you see something like that?”

“Is your account private, or can anyone see your posts? How did you decide on that?”

Last reviewed: April 2026