Is TikTok Safer for Kids in 2025? Surprising Stats & Parent Guide

With over 30% of kids as young as 5-7 years old using TikTok, parents are more concerned than ever about digital safety. While TikTok has introduced new safety features, is it enough to protect younger users from online risks? And is there a better alternative—like a kids smartwatch or a safe family-sharing app—that keeps kids connected without global social media dangers?

Let’s explore TikTok’s latest parental controls, the risks kids face on the app, and why myFirst Circle may be a safer solution for families.

---

How Many Kids Use TikTok? The Surprising Stats

TikTok is wildly popular among children and teens, despite its 13+ age requirement. Here’s a look at the latest stats:

📌 30% of kids aged 5-7 use TikTok (BBC)
📌 50% of kids under 10 are active on the platform (UK Media Regulator)
📌 Nearly all teens (95%) under 18 use TikTok regularly (Pew Research)

Even with parental controls, children are exposed to content beyond their age group. TikTok is designed for viral engagement, and that means even the best safety settings won’t filter everything.

---

TikTok’s Newest Safety Features in 2025

To improve child safety, TikTok has rolled out new parental controls and privacy settings aimed at younger users. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed:

1. Screen Time Limits ⏳

✅ Users under 18 now have a 60-minute daily limit automatically enabled.
✅ A passcode is required to continue after exceeding screen time.
✅ Parents can set customized limits through Family Pairing.

⚠️ Concern: Many kids and teens simply enter the passcode and keep scroling—so enforcement depends on parents.

2. No DMs for Kids Under 16 ✉️

✅ Direct messaging is blocked for users under 16.
✅ Teens 16-17 can only receive messages from mutual friends (not strangers).

⚠️ Concern: Kids may still be contacted in comments and public interactions—which could lead to unsafe conversations.

3. Private Accounts for Kids Under 16 🔒

✅ All new accounts under 16 are private by default.
✅ Only approved followers can see posts.

⚠️ Concern: Older teens (16-18) still have public accounts, meaning they can go viral and be exposed to strangers.

4. Comment & Interaction Restrictions 🛑

✅ Under-16s: Comments are set to “Friends Only” by default.
✅ Duet & Stitch: Disabled for kids under 16.

⚠️ Concern: Kids can still become victims of cyberbullying in the comment sections of their own videos or others' content.

---

Are TikTok’s Safety Features Enough?

While TikTok’s updates help reduce some risks, the platfrom still exposes children to:

❌ Strangers interacting in comments
❌ Harmful trends & viral challenges
❌ Pressure to go viral & over-share personal info
❌ Cyberbullying & comparison culture

Even with the best parental controls, TikTok is still a global social media platform, and kids may not always make safe choices.

So, what’s a better solution?

---

A Safer Alternative: myFirst Circle 🔒👨‍👩‍👧

For parents looking for a completely safe digital space, myFirst Circle offers private, family-friendly sharing without the dangers of TikTok.

Why myFirst Circle is Safer Than TikTok for Kids

Feature	TikTok	myFirst Circle
✅ Ad-Free	❌ No	✅ Yes
✅ Stranger-Free	❌ No	✅ Yes
✅ Safe Messaging	❌ No DMs for under-16s, but comments are public	✅ Yes, invite-only contacts
✅ Parental Oversight	✅ Family Pairing available	✅ Parents fully manage connections
✅ No Viral Pressures	❌ No	✅ Yes, private sharing only

Unlike TikTok, myFirst Circle is designed exclusively for kids & families—not for public engagement. Although myFirst Circle app is like TikTok, it offers better online safety features for your family.

🚀 Bonus: If your child has a kids smartwatch or kids phone from myFirst, they can use myFirst Circle for safe messaging, media sharing, and GPS check-ins—all without the risks of public social media.

---

Parent Tips for Keeping Kids Safe Online 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

If your child already uses TikTok, here are some must-do safety steps to protect them:

✅ 1. Enable Family Pairing

This allows parents to set limits on screen time, content, and privacy remotely.

✅ 2. Keep Accounts Private

Ensure that your child’s account is set to private and restrict who can follow, comment, and interact.

✅ 3. Talk About Digital Safety

Kids may not realize when they are oversharing personal details or engaging in unsafe conversations.

✅ 4. Explore Alternatives Like myFirst Circle

If you want a social experience without the risks, myFirst Circle offers a fully controlled digital space for kids, parents, and trusted friends only.

---

Final Thoughts: Should Parents Allow TikTok?

TikTok’s new parental controls are a step in the right direction, but they don’t eliminate all risks.

🔹 If you want to keep your child on TikTok, set up strict parental controls, monitor usage, and keep an open dialogue.
🔹 If you prefer a safer digital space, myFirst Circle offers a completely private, family-friendly alternative—with no strangers, no ads, and no risks.

👉 Want a safer way for kids to connect? Lear more about myFirst Circle and kid-safe devices here.

Sources: