L'minimum age to use TikTok is of 13 years old. Visit 13 and 17 years old, restrictions are automatically applied based on the age provided to protect young users.
From what age can one create an account on TikTok?
L'minimum age to create an account on TikTok is of 13 years old. This rule applies to most social media platforms, such as Instagram Where Snapchat. Users under this age are blocked from registering under the terms of use.
Once you've signed up, the features available to you will vary depending on the age you provided. Here's what you can do based on your age group:
| Age | What Is Permitted |
|---|---|
| Under 13 | No account can be created; access is prohibited by the terms and conditions |
| Ages 13 to 15 | Account private by default, no direct messages |
| Ages 16 to 17 | Direct messages allowed, broadcast Live possible |
| 18 and over | Full access: virtual gifts and integrated purchasing |
TikTok takes these rules seriously: in 2021, the platform removed 7.2 million accounts belonging to children under 13 years of age. For children under 18 years old, parental supervision is strongly recommended.
Why is TikTok forbidden to children under 13?
The main reason is simple: protect the youngest children. Children under the age of 13 are more vulnerable and more easily influenced on this type of platform.
This minimum age is set forth in the Terms of Use, in accordance with the rules regarding protection of minors' personal data.
In practical terms, this age limit allows for three things:
- Verify age at registration : Every new user must confirm their date of birth before creating an account.
- Adapt the content provided : The system shows new accounts only age-appropriate videos and activates the restricted mode by default.
- Protecting Privacy : Minors' personal information is better protected thanks to enhanced privacy settings.
However, this protection is limited. A child can easily to falsify one's date of birth upon registration, which makes the parental control essential. If you're new to the platform, our introductory guide to TikTok will give you all the basics.
What are the risks children face when using TikTok?
Watching videos, posting with friends, or following trends is part of everyday life for young people on TikTok.
The problem is that a child or teenager doesn't always know how to identify the risks What does the app include?.
Your child might come across content inappropriate for his age. In practice, he may see or share videos related to:
- The violence.
- Sensitive political issues.
- Sexually explicit content.
- Of cyberstalking in comments or messages.
- Contact with people with malicious intent.
Beyond the content itself, there are two risks that frequently arise among minors:
- The dependency : The thread goes on and on, and a child can quickly spend too much screen time without being able to get off the phone.
- The impact on the mental health : Constant comparison, pressure to get likes, hurtful comments… all of this takes a toll on teenagers who are still vulnerable.
You can minimize these risks by using the security settings to manage the screen time and keep the conversation private. The best thing to do is to support your child and keep the lines of communication open.
FAQs
What steps can you take to protect your child on TikTok?
As a parent or guardian, there are several ways you can support your child and filter the content they are exposed to:
- Enables the security settings and the parental control directly in the app. Family settings and the restricted mode allow you to block the most sensitive videos. To learn more, check out how to choose your Pour Toi TikTok to better understand the algorithm.
- A parental control app can help you keep an eye on what your teenager is watching and posting on the platform.
- Discuss openly with him: a relationship of trust Avoid keeping secrets, which are often the real source of danger on social media.
Also monitors the videos that your child shares. The personal data protection is essential for a young person who does not yet fully understand all the risks of the digital world.
What types of content are blocked or restricted for minors?
For users of Ages 13 to 17, here are the main restrictions that are applied automatically:
- Exposure limited to sensitive content (violence, nudity).
- Direct messages Prohibited for those under 16 years old.
- Private accounts by default for the 13-15 years.
- Live streams will be available starting 16 years old, but shipping from virtual gifts and purchases reserved for 18 and over.
What happens if a user has lied about their age?
TikTok can ban account if it discovers that someone has lied about their age. The user then receives a push notification and a message in the app as soon as they reopen it.
What are the alternatives to TikTok?
For children too young for TikTok, there are a few more suitable platforms:
- YouTube Kids : the leading consumer-facing alternative, with filtered content and a real parental control.
- Zigazoo : a short-video app designed for children, primarily used in UNITED STATES and little known in France.
- Funimate : A fun video editor, intended for teenagers with parental supervision.
The online security A child’s online activity isn’t limited to TikTok. It extends to all social media platforms and all forms of digital use. Keeping an eye on your child’s habits across all platforms remains the best protection.
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