What Parents Need To Know About Tiktok
Here you can learn more about TikTok: how your child uses the app, potential risks, the safety features, and what you can do to help keep your children safe.
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A Parent’s Guide to TikTok
This guide can be used to learn more about TikTok. It provides a detailed look at how your child uses the app, the potential risks they might encounter, the platform’s safety features, and what you can do to help keep them safe on Discord.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a free app where users can create and watch short videos. Most videos are 15 seconds to 10 minutes long. The app's algorithm learns what users like and shows them content from friends and creators worldwide. While anyone can watch TikToks, users must be at least 13 to have their own account.
Key Features of TikTok
- Duet and Stitching: Allows users to create side-by-side or clipped video responses to others.
- Live Streaming: When a user live streams video for others to watch, comment, and send virtual gifts.
- For You Page: An app section for browsing personalized content. Following Feed: An app section that allows users to browse content for those they follow.
- Likes: Allows users to show they appreciated a post.
- Comment: Allows users to write a message under a post.
How does TikTok Keep Your Child Safe?
Apps are ever-changing and so are their features! Please remember to check your or your child’s settings regularly to stay aware of any updates to in-app safety features.
Default Settings for Teens
For ages 13–15, TikTok accounts are private by default with only approved followers able to view content, while ages 16–17 also start with private accounts but may choose to switch to public. Other defaults include:
- Limited Interactions: Direct messaging, Duet, and Stitch are disabled for users under 16, while users under 18 cannot go LIVE or send/receive gifts
- Screen Time Limits: Users under 18 have a 60-minute daily limit by default; extending it requires a passcode managed through Family Pairing.
Family Pairing
You can link your TikTok account to your child’s to manage privacy, screen time, restricted mode, and direct messages.
- Where can I find this feature?
- Tap your profile picture > tap the menu > tap Settings & Privacy > tap Digital Well-Being > select Family Pairing
How does TikTok Keep Your Child Safe?
Reporting & Blocking
Users can report inappropriate content or accounts that break community guidelines and block others to stop them from interacting or viewing their content.
- Where can I find this feature?
- To Report: Go to the video, comment, LIVE, or account you want to report > tap the Share arrow > select Report.
- To Block: Go to the profile of the user you want to block > Tap the three dots in the top right > select Block.
Well-Being Guide
TikTok offers a variety of in-app tips on digital self-awareness, healthy screen habits, restricted mode, and support for emotional challenges.
- Where can I find this feature?
- Tap your profile picture > tap the menu > tap Settings & Privacy > scroll down and tap Support > find Safety Center > Select Well-Being Guide.
What are the Risks of TikTok?
Risk #1: Scammers/Predators
- Warning Signs
Friend requests/DMs from strangers, conversations becoming personal quickly, requests for secrecy, pressure to move to other apps, and offers of gifts. - What You Can Do
Adjust your child’s settings to limit friend requests and direct messages. Talk with them about online safety, like recognizing grooming tactics and knowing what personal information to avoid sharing. Remind them to always block and report suspicious users.
Risk #2: Inappropriate Content
- Warning Signs
Using new or adult language you haven’t heard them use before, sharing or mimicking risky challenges or trends, comparing themselves excessively to influencers. - What You Can Do
Encourage open judgement-free conversations about mimicking dangerous behavior online and consuming such content. Implement familial controls to avoid exposure to such content.
Risk #3: Cyberbullying
- Warning Signs
Changes in their mood, such as increased sadness or anxiety, or shifts in their behavior like avoiding friends, declining school performance, or changes in their sleep and eating habits.
What You Can Do
Have regular, low-pressure conversations about their online experiences. Show them how to use Snapchat’s safety tools. Remind them they deserve respect online, and seek professional help if their well-being is at risk.