What is TikTok? What Parents Need to Know

TikTok has become a global phenomenon, captivating millions of users, especially teenagers and young adults, with its short, engaging videos. For parents and carers, understanding TikTok is crucial to ensuring their children’s safety in a digital world.

While the platform offers opportunities for creativity and connection, it also presents risks, such as exposure to inappropriate content and privacy concerns. This article provides a clear overview of TikTok, explains why it matters for parents, and offers practical steps to address its challenges.

Written with empathy and clarity, this guide helps parents and carers to make informed decisions about their children’s online experiences.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media platform where users create, share, and watch short videos, typically lasting 15 seconds to three minutes. Launched in 2016 by ByteDance, a Chinese company, TikTok has grown into one of the most popular apps worldwide, with over 1 billion monthly active users as of 2025.

Users can produce content featuring music, dance, comedy, educational material, or personal vlogs, often enhanced with filters, effects, and trending audio clips. TikTok’s algorithm, known as the “For You” page, uses artificial intelligence to curate a personalized feed based on a user’s interests and interactions.

This engaging feature makes TikTok appealing but can lead to prolonged screen time, as videos play automatically in an endless scroll. For young users, the app’s accessibility and addictive nature make it a staple of their digital lives, raising concerns for parents about safety and well-being.

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Why TikTok Matters for Parents and Carers

TikTok’s popularity among teenagers means it’s likely a significant part of your child’s online world. While the platform fosters creativity and self-expression, it also poses risks that parents and carers need to understand.

A 2023 study by Internet Matters, a UK-based organization focused on online safety, found that 60% of parents worry about their children encountering harmful content on platforms like TikTok. These concerns include exposure to inappropriate material, cyberbullying, and interactions with strangers.

Understanding TikTok’s features and risks equips parents to guide their children toward safe use. The platform’s design, which prioritizes quick, attention-grabbing content, can influence young users’ behavior and perceptions.

For example, trends or challenges may encourage risky actions, such as dangerous stunts or sharing personal information. Additionally, TikTok collects significant user data, raising privacy concerns that parents should address.

By staying informed, parents and carers can set boundaries and foster open conversations to protect their children while allowing them to enjoy TikTok’s creative potential.

Key Risks of TikTok for Young Users

TikTok’s open and fast-paced environment presents several risks for children and teenagers. Below are the primary concerns parents and carers should be aware of:

• Inappropriate Content: TikTok’s algorithm may expose users to videos with explicit language, suggestive themes, or harmful behaviors. While content moderation policies exist, some inappropriate material may slip through, especially in user-generated content.
• Cyberbullying and Negative Comments: The public nature of TikTok allows users to comment on videos, which can lead to cyberbullying or hurtful interactions. Teenagers, sensitive to peer feedback, may face emotional distress from negative comments.
• Dangerous Trends and Challenges: TikTok is known for viral challenges, some encouraging risky behavior, like physical stunts or sharing personal details. Past challenges have prompted safety warnings from authorities due to potential harm.
• Privacy Concerns: TikTok collects data on user behavior, location, and device information, which may be shared with third parties. Young users may unknowingly share personal details, increasing risks of identity theft or predatory contact.
• Excessive Screen Time: The addictive “For You” page can lead to prolonged use, potentially impacting sleep, academic performance, and mental health. A reports that 70% of parents cite excessive screen time as a top concern.
• Interactions with Strangers: TikTok allows messaging or duets (collaborative videos) with others, which may expose children to inappropriate or predatory interactions if privacy settings are not configured properly.

How TikTok Works: A Parent’s Guide

To guide their children effectively, parents and carers should understand TikTok’s core features. Think of TikTok as a digital stage where anyone can perform, but not all performances are suitable for every audience. Below is an overview of key components:

• For You Page: The main feed, where the algorithm curates videos based on a user’s likes, shares, and watch history. It’s highly engaging but can expose users to unpredictable content.
• Video Creation Tools: Users can record videos, add music, apply filters, or use special effects. These tools encourage creativity but may allow children to share personal or revealing content.
• Comments and Messaging: Users can comment on videos or send private messages. Public comments are visible to all, while messaging is restricted to followers by default for users under 16.
• Duets and Stitch Features: These allow users to create videos alongside or in response to others’ content, fostering interaction but potentially connecting children with unknown users.
• Live Streaming: Users over 16 can broadcast live, which may expose them to real-time interactions with strangers unless restricted.
• Privacy Settings: TikTok offers options to make accounts private, disable comments, or limit interactions. However, these settings are not always enabled by default.

Understanding these features helps parents monitor activity and configure settings to enhance safety.

Practical Steps for Parents and Carers

Protecting children on TikTok requires open communication, technical safeguards, and ongoing supervision. Below are actionable steps to ensure safety:

1. Have Open Conversations:

• Discuss what your child enjoys on TikTok and why. Ask about the videos they watch or create to understand their interests.
• Talk about online risks, like cyberbullying or inappropriate content, in a non-judgmental way. For example, say, “I want to ensure you’re safe online. Can you tell me about the videos you see?”
• Encourage your child to come to you if they encounter something upsetting or confusing.

2. Set Up Privacy Settings:

• Help your child make their account private, so only approved followers can view videos or send messages. Go to Settings > Privacy > Account Privacy and toggle “Private Account” on.
• Disable features like duets, stitching, or live streaming for younger users to limit stranger interactions.
• Restrict comments to followers only or turn them off to prevent cyberbullying.

3. Use Family Pairing:

• TikTok’s Family Pairing feature lets parents link their account to their child’s, enabling remote management of settings. You can control screen time, restrict content, and disable messaging.
• Activate it by going to Settings > Family Pairing and following the QR code prompts.

4. Set Screen Time Limits:

• Use TikTok’s Screen Time Management tool (Settings > Screen Time) to set daily limits, such as one hour.
• Alternatively, use device-level controls, like Apple’s Screen Time or Android’s Digital Wellbeing, to monitor TikTok usage.
• Discuss balancing screen time with schoolwork, sleep, and offline activities.

5. Educate About Privacy and Sharing:

• Teach your child not to share personal details, like their full name, address, or school, in videos or messages.
• Explain risks of posting identifiable content, like videos showing their home. Use an analogy: “Posting personal details is like leaving your front door unlocked—someone might use that information unexpectedly.”

6. Monitor Content and Trends:

• Watch TikTok with your child periodically to understand the content they see. This builds trust and encourages sharing.
• Stay informed about trending challenges via reliable sources or news outlets. Discuss risky challenges and set boundaries.

7. Report and Block Harmful Content:

• Show your child how to report inappropriate videos or accounts by tapping “Share” and selecting “Report.”
• Teach them to block harmful users via the user’s profile and selecting “Block.”
• Report concerning material yourself to ensure TikTok’s moderation team reviews it.

8. Foster Critical Thinking:

• Encourage your child to question content, such as whether a challenge is safe or promotes unhealthy behavior.
• Discuss how TikTok’s algorithm curates content to keep them engaged, which may not prioritize their well-being.

Additional Tips for Ongoing Safety

Maintaining a safe TikTok experience requires consistent effort. Here are additional strategies:

• Stay Updated on TikTok’s Policies: TikTok frequently updates safety features. Visit TikTok’s Safety Center (www.tiktok.com/safety) for the latest resources.
• Model Responsible Behavior: Show healthy social media habits by limiting your screen time and discussing your online presence.
• Use Third-Party Resources: Organizations like Internet Matters (www.internetmatters.org) and Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org) offer parent-tailored TikTok guides.
• Check In Regularly: Schedule conversations about TikTok use to ensure your child feels supported and understands safe practices.

Addressing Common Parental Concerns

Parents often have specific questions about TikTok. Below are answers to common concerns:

• Is TikTok safe for my child? With proper settings and supervision, TikTok can be safe. Private accounts, restricted interactions, and oversight reduce risks.
• What age is appropriate for TikTok? TikTok’s minimum age is 13, per its terms. Assess your child’s maturity and ability to handle online interactions before allowing use.
• How can I tell if my child spends too much time on TikTok? Look for signs like neglecting responsibilities, sleep changes, or irritability when not using the app. Use screen time tools and discuss balance.
• What should I do if my child encounters harmful content? Encourage reporting the content and discussing it with you. Use Family Pairing to restrict material and reinforce communication.

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Final Words

TikTok offers a creative outlet for young users but comes with risks that parents and carers must address. Understanding the platform’s features, setting boundaries, and fostering communication help children navigate TikTok safely.

Steps like configuring privacy settings, using Family Pairing, and educating about risks empower parents to protect their children while respecting their digital interests. Staying informed and engaged ensures TikTok remains a positive part of your child’s online experience.