Illustration of girl and boy with smartphones.

Illustration by Tom Garrett; Debate photos courtesy of families

Should Kids Be on TikTok?

October 4, 2021

People can’t get enough of TikTok. More than 3 billion people around the world have downloaded the app. Users need to be at least 13 years old to get full access to TikTok. But younger kids sometimes pretend they’re older to avoid that requirement.

Many people say it’s OK for kids under 13 to use TikTok as long as their parents monitor what they’re doing on the app. A lot of parents think TikTok can be a safe place for kids to be creative, learn new things, and connect with friends.

But other people argue that TikTok has an age requirement for a reason. They point out that TikTok is filled with bad language and rude behavior. Many say the app is just another harmful way for kids to waste time on screens. Also, experts have expressed concerns about how TikTok collects users’ personal information.

Here’s what two of our readers think.

Kids should be allowed on TikTok as long as they use it responsibly. My mom monitors my account. Plus, the app has many safety settings. You can make your account private or turn off direct messages.

TikTok is like a community with something for everyone. If you like art, you can find tips for how to draw or paint. It also has a lot of fun challenges. They help keep my little brother and me occupied while my mom is busy.

The content on the app is geared toward older teenagers and adults. Kids who lie about their age to join can be exposed to language and stories that they aren’t mature enough to handle. They may end up connecting with cyberbullies and online predators.

The New York Times reports that about one-third of TikTok’s daily users in the U.S. are 14 and under. That means millions of kids may be inviting trouble into their lives each day.