Sort your TikTok settings
TikTok is a video based social media platform where people can view and share 15 second videos. These videos are created by other users from anywhere in the world. The content is usually created on a mobile phone.
The videos that your child sees are selected by an algorithm based on interests, your child's viewing history and engagement activity.
Age restrictions
It's recommended that users of the platform are at least 13 years old.
If any account has been set up with an incorrect age, then a user could see content that is not suitable for them. They could also access features they shouldn’t be able to. Content and features are age restricted to help keep your child safe when on the platform.
Direct messaging is only available to those aged 16 years and older.
To host a 'live' broadcast, members must be at least 18 years old.
Private and public accounts
On TikTok, you can choose whether to have a private account or a public account.
A private account means only people you approve can follow you, view your profile, and watch your videos.
Accounts set up for 13 to 15-year-olds will be set to private by default. Direct messaging also won't be available and the account won't be suggested to others to follow. It also prevents other people being able to download, use your videos. Only followers who you follow back can comment on videos and this function can also be turned off.
But be aware. Accounts set up for 16 to 17-year-olds won't have some of these settings turned off by default. You will need to manually check the privacy settings to ensure they are suitable for your child.
If you have a public account, your profile and videos will be visible to anyone on or off TikTok. Anyone will be able to comment on your videos or send you messages, unless you change the settings. People will also be able to download your videos and use them in their videos.
To set your account as private or public:
- Tap Profile in the bottom right.
- Tap the 3-line icon in the top right.
- Tap Settings and Privacy.
- Go to Privacy.
- Turn Private Account on or off.
Location settings
TikTok gives the option to share your location when posting, or the ability to ‘check in’ to a place.
If settings aren’t private on your child’s device, then anyone can see where your child is or has been, including people you or your child don’t know.
- In the TikTok app, go to 'profile' at the bottom.
- Select the menu button at the top.
- Choose settings and privacy.
- Tap Privacy, then tap Location Services.
- Choose a location access permission for TikTok.
Family pairing
Family Pairing on TikTok allows parents and guardians to customise their safety settings based on individual needs.
A parent or guardian can link their TikTok account to their child's account and set controls, including:
- Daily screen time - Decide how long your child can spend on TikTok each day
- Filter keywords - Select keywords and their variations or hashtags to exclude from your child's supported feeds on TikTok and manage the visibility of your keyword list.
- Restricted Mode - Restrict your childs exposure to content that may not be appropriate or comfortable for them.
- Discoverability - Decide whether your child's account is private or public.
- Direct messages - Restrict who can send messages to your child or turn off direct messaging completely.
- Comments - Decide who can comment on your child’s videos.
For full advice and information about TikTok's family pairing and safety settings, please visit their website.
To link parent and child accounts:
- In the TikTok app, tap Profile at the bottom.
- Tap the Menu button (three horizontal lines) at the top, then select Settings and privacy.
- Tap Family Pairing.
- Tap Continue.
- Tap Parent or Child, then tap Next.
- Follow the steps to link the accounts.
To manage family pairing settings:
- In the TikTok app, tap Profile at the bottom.
- Tap the Menu (three horizontal lines) button at the top, then select Settings and privacy.
- Tap Family Pairing.
- Select the account you want to manage, then update the settings as needed.
TikTok's Family Pairing settings are only available on the TikTok app and not on mobile and web browsers. If your child accesses TikTok from a browser as well as the TikTok app, you may want to use the safety settings available on the mobile and web browsers, in addition to the Family Pairing settings on the TikTok app.
Teen privacy and safety settings
For full advice and information about TikTok's teen privacy and safety settings, please visit their website.