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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? Pinterest is a visual discovery app where users save and share ideas through images and videos on topics like crafts, fashion, food, and hobbies. While it has fewer social features than some platforms, users can still comment, message, and follow links to external websites. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content While Pinterest focuses on creativity and inspiration, teens may still come across content that includes unrealistic beauty standards, diet culture, self-harm references, or mature themes. Pinterest has policies to limit harmful content, but no system is perfect and some inappropriate material may still appear. 🛡️ Filtering & Monitoring Teen accounts are private by default and Pinterest offers reporting tools and safety policies, but there are limited built-in parental monitoring features. Parents may need to stay involved through conversations and account settings to guide safe use. 💬 Direct Messaging Teens can message mutual followers and group board collaborators, which can support positive connections but may also lead to unwanted contact or spam. Teens can block or report users if interactions feel uncomfortable. 🚨 Online Predators & Grooming Risks Although Pinterest is not primarily a chat platform, messaging, comments, and shared boards can still create opportunities for unwanted contact. Privacy settings help reduce this risk, but parents should encourage teens to only connect with people they know. 📢 Age Verification & Account Safety Pinterest requires users to be at least 13, with age verification processes if details change. Teen accounts are private by default, and parents can set a parental passcode to lock key privacy and account settings. 🔐 Privacy Considerations Pinterest states that teen profiles are not discoverable by strangers and personal details aren’t publicly searchable. However, teens may still share personal information through boards, comments, or messages, so it’s important to discuss safe sharing habits. 💸 Ads, Shopping & Influencer Content Pinterest includes shopping links, sponsored pins, and product recommendations that may encourage spending or promote trends. Teens should be aware that some content is promotional and links may lead to external websites. 🔓 Scams, Unsafe Links & Misinformation As with many platforms, some pins may link to misleading information, unrealistic health advice, or spam websites. Pinterest encourages users to report suspicious content, but critical thinking is important. ⚠️ Algorithms & Content Suggestions Pinterest recommendations are based on searches and saved pins, which can shape what teens see over time. This can be helpful for inspiration but may also repeatedly surface similar or sensitive topics. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
🧒 Resources for Parents found here. This page explains Pinterest’s safety tools, including age requirements, reporting options, teen privacy settings, parental controls, and support resources to help keep users safe online. 📲 Understand the app - Familiarise yourself with the platforms features and how they work. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. 👨👧 Parental supervision - Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices. 👥 Managing Friend Requests - Encourage your child to only accept friend requests from people they know and trust in real life. Remind them that “friends of friends” online may still be strangers, and mutual connections do not automatically make someone safe. 📷 Webcam Safety - Talk to your child about covering their webcam when it’s not in use. Help them understand the importance of being aware of what’s visible in the background during video calls, as personal items or surroundings can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trusting Their Instincts - Reassure your child that if something feels uncomfortable, they should leave the chat immediately. Encourage them not to engage with anyone who seems suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate, and to tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Keeping Devices in Shared Spaces - Where possible, keep internet-connected devices in shared areas such as living rooms or kitchens rather than bedrooms. This can help reduce risky behaviour and makes it easier to supervise online activity naturally. 🚨 Recognising Warning Signs - Be aware of changes in your child’s behaviour, such as increased anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These may indicate that something concerning has happened online. 💬 Keeping Communication Open - Have regular, open conversations about online safety, including topics such as bullying, grooming, sexual or criminal exploitation, body image pressures, and how to report concerns or seek support. Creating a safe space for discussion helps children feel comfortable coming to you if something goes wrong. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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