What age is TikTok recommended for? Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+ mainly due to the privacy issues and mature content. TikTok requires that users be at least 13 years old to use the basic TikTok features, although there is a way for younger kids to access the app.
Jean Twenge, our nation's leading researcher on how social media impacts child and adolescent development, recommends that no child under 13 should be on any social media, including TikTok. And I would add that many 13-year-olds aren't ready. TikTok offers a curated version of their app for under-13s. Don't use it.
The minimum age for a TikTok user is 13 years old. While this is great news for younger users, it's important to note that TikTok doesn't use any age verification tools when new users sign up.
TikTok account restrictions by age:
Under 13: Users under 13 can watch videos but can't search for or comment on them. They can't post their own videos either or have followers. And their data isn't collected. 13 to 15: Users 13 to 15 years old have accounts that are private by default.
You have to enter your birth date to set up an account, but there's no age verification, so it's easy for kids under 13 to sign up. Common Sense Media rates Snapchat OK for teens 16 and up, mainly because of the exposure to age-inappropriate content and the marketing ploys, such as quizzes, that collect data.
But with no proper way of determining the user's age, the app leaves your child vulnerable to mature content and sexual predators. So, it's best to keep your eye open before your 11-year-old gets too engrossed in making TikTok videos.
There's no one age when people “should” start dating — plenty of people don't start until their late teens or after, and some people start earlier. But dating when you're 12 means something different than dating when you're in high school or older.
Zigazoo, the startup known for its TikTok-style video-sharing app for kids, is launching a separate app targeted at Gen Z users.
TikTok has also been criticized for its moderation practices, with some users reporting that the app allows the spreading of hate speech, misinformation, and extremist content. Furthermore, many security researchers have found security vulnerabilities in the TikTok app.
1 ENABLE device-level parental controls
TikTok states that the app is intended for users aged 13 years and over and has a 12+ App Store rating.
Parents can learn to trust that their kids are using TikTok under the conditions they've agreed upon, and kids can learn responsibility when it comes to social media privileges. Using TikTok can also create teachable moments and foster conversations about important topics that may not come up organically otherwise.
“Ten to 12 is a great range because kids are still very connected to their parents and into their parents being in their phone and in their business,” says Catherine Pearlman, a licensed clinical social worker and author of “First Phone,” a guide for kids.
Instagram requires everyone to be at least 13 years old before they can create an account (in some jurisdictions, this age limit may be higher). Accounts that represent someone under the age of 13 must clearly state in the account's bio that the account is managed by a parent or manager.
What is Snapchat's minimum age? Like many other social networks, the minimum age to use Snapchat is 13 years old.
What age-rating is Snapchat? The platform is rated 13+. How does Snapchat work? The platform mainly operates as a messaging app where users can communicate with each other using videos and images.
TikTok is Most Popular With Younger Generations
Ages 10-19 are 25% of users. Ages 20-29 are 22.4% of users. Ages 30-39 is 21.7% of users. Ages 40-49 is 20.3% of users.
However, unlike YouTube, which collects your data for Google, TikTok allows third-party trackers on its platform – so that means that there's no telling where your Tiktok data goes. Those third-party trackers can also track your activity even after you close Tiktok.
These bans have generally been justified with national security concerns, due to TikTok's ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance. As of June 2023, the app has been banned for use by federal employees and banned for use by state employees in 34 (out of 50) states.
“With all that potential for harm and damage, it's not surprising school officials are considering a ban on TikTok,” he concluded in his article. In addition to data privacy concerns, Kshetri says TikTok's unique algorithm is especially harmful to students, both mentally and physically.
Kids like to get together with friends to make TikTok videos. “TikTok can be really fun. Some videos are lighthearted and cute, and can be a source of creativity for kids,” says Christine Elgersma, senior editor of parent education at Common Sense Media.
For the uninitiated, TikTok is an app that has taken the reigns from Snapchat as one of the most popular for the tween-teen age group. Formerly a lip-syncing app called musical.ly, TikTok has evolved into a short-form (15-second) video-sharing and video-creation program with over 500 million users.
According to Pew Research, two-thirds of teens in the U.S. use TikTok. It's second only to YouTube when it comes to kids near-constant use, followed by Instagram and Snapchat.
KH: When it comes to whether a child is ready to have a boyfriend or girlfriend, parents should consider their child's maturity rather than a particular age. Typically, it's best for children under 13 not to engage in romantic relationships as they are still developing emotionally and cognitively.
Totally ok. Kissing at age 11 can be a great first experience! If you are the girl who is wanting to do the kissing, go ahead! Have fun!
Close in age exceptions
A 12 or 13 year old can consent to sexual activity with a partner as long as the partner is less than two years older and there is no relationship of trust, authority or dependency or any other exploitation of the young person.