TikTok is one of the most popular apps among teenagers, offering short, entertaining videos that feel harmless at first glance. But behind the fun trends and viral clips, there are real risks parents should understand. 

From addictive design to privacy concerns and exposure to harmful content, TikTok can impact a child’s wellbeing if it’s not used thoughtfully. The good news? With the right knowledge, boundaries and tools in place, parents can help their kids enjoy social media more safely.

Why TikTok Can Be Risky for Kids

TikTok is designed to maximise engagement. Its algorithm quickly learns what users like and delivers a constant stream of personalised videos, making it easy to lose track of time and harder to switch off. Below are key risks parents should be aware of include:

 

• Addictive scrolling and screen time 
  • The “For You” page continuously feeds content with no natural stopping point. Research suggests users can become hooked in under 35 minutes, with many children spending hours a day scrolling. This can affect sleep, focus, mood and school performance.
     

• Mental health and body image pressures 
  • TikTok often shows highly curated lifestyles and appearance trends. Over time, this can lead some children to compare themselves to others, affecting confidence, self-esteem and how they feel about their own appearance.
     

• Exposure to inappropriate or harmful content 
  • While TikTok has content guidelines in place, children may still come across material that isn’t age-appropriate, including strong language or themes they’re not ready for. In some cases, repeated viewing can influence what content appears in their feed over time.
     

• Dangerous trends and challenges 
  • Viral challenges can encourage risky behaviour, from dangerous stunts to health-threatening dares. These trends may seem harmless but can have serious consequences.
     

• Cyberbullying 
  • Commenting, duets and stitched videos can be used to mock or harass kids, sometimes anonymously. Cyberbullying can have lasting emotional impacts and is often harder for parents to spot.
     

• Data privacy concerns 
  • TikTok collects extensive user data, including location and contacts. There are ongoing concerns about how this data is stored and used, particularly for younger users. 

How Parents Can Help Keep Kids Safer on TikTok

While no platform is risk-free, parents can take practical steps to reduce exposure and support healthier habits.
 

• Use built-in safety controls 
  • TikTok offers Family Pairing, which allows parents to link their account to their child’s. This lets you: 
    • Manage screen time 
    • Restrict content 
    • Limit or disable direct messages
       

• Talk openly and often 
  • Regular conversations matter more than strict rules alone. Ask your child what they’re watching, who they follow and how content makes them feel. Encourage them to speak up if something feels uncomfortable and make sure, they know they won’t get in trouble for being honest.
     

• Set clear boundaries 
  • Simple rules can make a big difference: 
    • No devices in bedrooms overnight 
    • Screen-free time before bed 
    • Balanced time between online and offline activities