How to Set Up TikTok’s New Safety Features by Age: A Parent’s Guide

February 11, 2025

Internet Safety Day 2025 Brings TikTok’s New Parental Controls

As part of Internet Safety Day 2025, TikTok is rolling out new parental control and privacy features to make the platform safer for kids and teens. With more than 30% of kids aged 5-7 and over 51% of children under 11 reportedly using TikTok, many parents worry about screen time, direct messaging, and exposure to inappropriate content.

If your child uses TikTok on a kids smartwatch, a smartphone, or a tablet, this guide will help you set up the best parental control settings to protect them.

TikTok’s Safety Features by Age

TikTok’s safety settings adjust based on a child’s age. Here’s a breakdown of the latest protections.

Safety Feature	5-7 Years Old	8-10 Years Old	11-15 Years Old	16-18 Years Old
Account Creation Allowed	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes (Private by default)	✅ Yes (Public by default)
Default Privacy Setting	❌ No Account	❌ No Account	✅ Private	❌ Public
Direct Messaging	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes (Restricted)
Livestreaming	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes (18+)
Restricted Nighttime Notifications	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes (9 PM cutoff)	✅ Yes (10 PM cutoff)
Commenting on Videos	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Friends Only	✅ Public Allowed
Duet & Stitch Features	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Friends Only	✅ Default Enabled
Personalized Ads	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Limited
Parental Controls (Family Pairing)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Screen Time Management	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

How to Set Up TikTok’s Safety Features by Age

To help parents manage their child’s TikTok experience on a cell phone or kids watch, follw these age-specific steps.

🛑 Step 1: Enable Family Pairing for Parental Controls

Family Pairing allows parents to remotely adjust settings like screen time limits, restricted mode, and search visibility.

Open TikTok and go to Profile.
Tap ☰ Menu (top-right corner) > Settings & Privacy.
Select Family Pairing and scan the QR code on your child’s device.
Adjust setings such as screen time, content restrictions, and direct messages.

Ages 5-7: No Account Creation Allowed

🚫 TikTok does not allow children under 8 to create an account.

✔ Recommended settings:

Enable Restricted Mode on your phone to block mature content.
Use YouTube Kids or safer alternatives instead of TikTok.

Ages 8-10: Strict Parental Supervision Required

👀 Over 51% of kids under 11 use TikTok, often watching videos without accounts.

✔ How to enable Restricted Mode:

Go to Settings & Privacy > Content Preferences.
Tap Restricted Mode and enter a passcode.
Use Family Pairing to limit screen time.

Ages 11-15: Private Accounts & No Messaging

🔒 TikTok automatically makes accounts private for users under 16.

✔ Recommended settings:

Keep the account Private: Profile > Privacy > Switch to Private.
Disable Direct Messages: Privacy > Direct Messages > No One.
Manage Comments: Privacy > Comments > Friends Only.

Ages 16-18: Limit Public Interactions

📲 Teens have fewer restrictions, but parents should still enable key safety settings.

✔ Recommended settings:

Turn off Duet & Stitch: Profile > Privacy > Disable for strangers.
Restrict Comments: Profile > Privacy > Comments > Friends Only.
Monitor Screen Time: Set reminders for breaks.

Are TikTok’s Safety Features Enough?

While TikTok’s safety tools help protect young users, parental monitoring is still essential. Some risks include:
⚠️ Exposure to harmful trends or inappropriate content.
⚠️ Screen time addiction leading to sleep and mental health issues.
⚠️ Stranger interactions through public comments or TikTok Live.

✅ What parents can do:

Talk to your kids about responsble smartphone use.
Regularly check TikTok settings to ensure they remain age-appropriate.
Encourage digital wellness habits by setting screen time limits.

Final Thoughts: Set Up TikTok’s Safety Features Today!

As TikTok introduces new parental control updates, parents should take advantage of features like Restricted Mode, Family Pairing, and Private Accounts to keep kids and teens safe.

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