TIK TOK
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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? TikTok is a social media platform where users create, share, and discover short videos using music, filters, and editing tools. Its personalised “For You” feed shows content based on users’ interests, and the app is known for viral trends like dances, memes, tutorials, and comedy. WHAT WE SAY? Use with caution. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Even with moderation and strict community guidelines, users may still come across upsetting or inappropriate content, such as violence, explicit language, or references to harmful behaviours. TikTok states that it does not allow threats, hate speech, sexual exploitation, promotion of self-harm, or content encouraging disordered eating, and removes or restricts such material when identified. However, because of the platform’s fast-moving and user-generated nature, some content may appear unexpectedly before it is reviewed or taken down. ⚠️ Viral Challenges & Dangerous Trends While many online challenges are creative and bring people together, some can pose a real risk of injury or harm. TikTok states that it does not allow content that shows or promotes dangerous activities and removes videos likely to be imitated and cause significant physical harm. Riskier content may be restricted, age-limited, or given warning labels. However, because trends can spread quickly, harmful challenges may still circulate before they are reported and reviewed. 💬 Direct Messaging TikTok restricts direct messaging to users aged 16 and over, and accounts for younger teens do not have access to messaging features. For teens aged 16–17, privacy settings and parental controls such as Family Pairing can help manage who can send messages or message requests. However, as with many online platforms, there is still a possibility of unwanted contact or inappropriate messages, particularly if users share personal information or interact widely, and inaccurate age details can affect which features are available. 🧠 Addiction & Mental Wellbeing TikTok’s personalised For You feed is designed to help people discover content they enjoy and feel a sense of belonging. The platform states that it aims to support mental and physical well-being and includes features such as screen time reminders and teen safeguards. TikTok does not allow content that promotes self-harm or disordered eating and works to limit exposure to harmful material. However, because content is highly engaging and continuously refreshed, some users may find themselves spending long periods on the app, which can affect sleep, focus, or offline activities if not balanced. 📉 Low Self-Esteem & Pressure to Perform Because TikTok highlights metrics like likes, views, and trends, some users may feel pressure to gain attention or compare themselves to others. The platform states that it aims to support positive body image and does not allow content promoting disordered eating or harmful weight management. However, the visibility of popular content and aesthetic trends can still contribute to feelings of pressure, comparison, or anxiety for some users if not approached mindfully. 👤 Influencer Culture & Unrealistic Lifestyles Teens are frequently exposed to influencer content showcasing edited images and luxury lifestyles, which can lead to unhealthy comparisons and unrealistic expectations. 📱 Features to Know About 🔻 TikTok LIVE (18+): Only available to adults to host, with moderation tools and community guidelines in place, but livestreams can still involve unfiltered interactions or inappropriate behaviour. 🔻 Duet & Stitch: Creative tools that let users respond to others’ videos, though they can sometimes be used in ways that feel mocking or unwanted if not managed with privacy settings. 🔻 Comment Sections: TikTok provides filters and controls, but comments can still include negative or unkind interactions if not moderated. 🔻 Sharing & Reposts: Videos can be reshared across the platform, which may spread content beyond its original audience depending on privacy settings. 🔐 Data Privacy Concerns TikTok collects information such as account details, age, device data, activity on the app, and approximate location to personalise content, improve security, and deliver ads. The platform says it uses encryption and secure data centres to protect user information and offers privacy controls so families can manage settings or request a copy of their data. However, as with any social media app, it’s important for parents to review privacy settings with their child, talk about what information they share online, and use tools like Family Pairing to help manage their experience. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
👍 Built in Protections - TikTok says it creates a different experience for teens, with safety, privacy, and wellbeing settings automatically turned on for users aged 13–17. Teen accounts are private by default, include a daily screen time reminder, and do not receive notifications late at night. Teens cannot host LIVE videos, and some effects are restricted by age. Younger teens aged 13–15 have additional protections, including no direct messaging, friends-only comments, and limits on features like Duet and Stitch, with their content not shown in the For You feed and downloads turned off. Parents can also use Family Pairing to manage settings and support safer use, although features may vary depending on age and location. More information can be found in their Guardian's Guide. 👪 Family Pairing - Is a tool that allows parents and carers to link their TikTok account with their teen’s to help manage privacy, safety, and wellbeing settings. It enables parents to set screen time limits, filter content using keywords, control who can comment or send messages, and turn on Restricted Mode to limit exposure to mature content. Parents can also view their teen’s followers, blocked accounts, and privacy settings to better understand their experience. TikTok says the feature is designed to help families have conversations about online use and set healthy digital boundaries together. To find out more click here. 👨👧 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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