X (Twitter)

What is X?

X (formerly known as Twitter) is a microblogging and social media platform owned by Elon Musk. Users publish short posts (formerly called tweets), repost others’ content, join Spaces (live audio), send direct messages (DMs), and follow topics through Communities. Since the rebrand from Twitter, the platform has undergone significant changes — reduced content moderation, paid verification (blue checkmarks), and algorithm changes that affect what users see in their feed.

Age limit: 13 years

Why do kids like it?

• Real-time news. X is often the fastest source for breaking news, whether it’s world events, sports, or pop culture.
• Celebrities and creators. Many kids follow their favourite artists, esports players, YouTubers, and other public figures directly.
• Memes and viral threads. The platform 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.
• Spaces for live discussions. Live audio broadcasts where users can listen to or participate in conversations about trending topics.
• Sports updates. Real-time commentary and discussions during matches and events.

What are the real risks?

• Significantly reduced content moderation since 2023. More hate speech, explicit content, and misinformation are openly available on the platform.
• DMs from anyone by default. Strangers can send direct messages to your child unless the settings are changed.
• Quote-posting and pile-ons (public shaming). Posts can be shared with harsh commentary, which can lead to massive negative attention.
• Exposure to political extremism. The algorithm can expose young users to radicalising content and politically extreme material.
• Adult content is accessible. NSFW accounts and sexually explicit content are readily available without effective age barriers.
• Doxxing risk. If your child shares personal information, it can be reshared and misused.
• Addictive real-time feed. The endless feed and constant updates are designed to keep users engaged.
• Bot and scam accounts. Fake accounts spreading scams, phishing links, and misleading content are widespread.
• Toxic reply culture. Comment sections can be hostile and aggressive, especially around controversial topics.
• Promoted content is not always age-appropriate. Ads and suggested content may not be suitable for children.

Settings to check

1. Protect your posts (make account private): Settings → Privacy and Safety → “Protect your posts”. This makes the account private so only approved followers can see posts.
2. Restrict direct messages: Settings → Privacy and Safety → Direct Messages → set to “Only people you follow” or turn off entirely.
3. Enable sensitive content filter: Settings → Privacy and Safety → enable content filters for sensitive content so explicit material is hidden.
4. Mute and block aggressively: Use the mute and block features to remove unwanted accounts and words from the feed.
5. Disable location on posts: Settings → Privacy and Safety → Location Information → turn off “Add location information to your posts”.
6. Review connected apps: Settings → Security and Account Access → Apps → remove any apps your child doesn’t actively use.
7. Enable two-factor authentication: Settings → Security and Account Access → Security → Two-Factor Authentication.
8. Limit who can reply: When publishing a post, you can choose “Everyone”, “Accounts you follow”, or “Only people you mention”.
9. Disable discoverability by email/phone number: 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? Let’s take a look at your settings together.”

Last reviewed: March 2026