Using TikTok securely together

TikTok is part of everyday life for many children and young people. They watch short videos, are entertained, get information or post content themselves. Many parents don’t know exactly what they are watching or posting there – and are worried. This makes it all the more important to know the app’s security settings – and to stay in touch.

What TikTok offers for parents

With the “Accompanied Mode” (also known as “Family Pairing”), TikTok offers the option of controlling certain functions of the app on the child’s account together. These include:

• Limit screen time: Set how long your child can use TikTok each day.
• Filter content: Determine which videos are displayed in the “For you” feed to ensure that only age-appropriate content is visible.
• Control messages: Decide who can communicate with your child via direct messages – or deactivate this function completely.
• Restrict notifications: Set the times at which TikTok sends notifications to minimize distractions during important times such as school hours or bedtime.
• Schedule breaks: Plan regular breaks or rest periods during which the use of the app is interrupted (e.g. during homework or at night).
• Usage overview: The so-called screen time dashboard gives you an insight into your child’s activities, including the accounts they follow, as well as blocked and blocking users.

Additional protective functions take effect automatically, depending on the age specified in the profile:

• Users under the age of 16 receive a reminder after 10 p.m. asking them to pause the app. If use is resumed, a second reminder will appear. In addition, a relaxation aid is offered that plays calming music.

• For the under-18s, beauty filters are deactivated in order to reduce the pressure of unrealistic ideals.
• For accounts of 13 to 15-year-olds, the profile is private by default – only confirmed contacts can see or comment on content.

To set up “Accompanied mode”

According to the terms of use, TikTok is permitted from the age of 13. Parental consent is required for children under the age of 16.

Tip: Children can also view TikTok in the browser without an account – so they can get started carefully without posting or commenting on content themselves.

Proceed as follows if you want to activate Accompanied mode:

1. Install the TikTok app on your child’s smartphone and your own.
2. Open the app on your device, go to the settings and select “Accompanied mode” or “Family pairing”.
3. Scan the displayed QR code with your child’s device to connect both accounts.
4. Make the desired settings together.

You can adjust these settings

• Daily screen time: Select 40, 60, 90 or 120 minutes – individually for each day. A code must be entered after expiry.
• Restricted mode: TikTok automatically filters content that is not age-appropriate. Terms or hashtags can also be blocked manually.
• Direct messages: Only friends are allowed to send messages – or you can deactivate the function completely.
• Rest periods: Reminders for breaks and a bedtime mode ensure app-free times (e.g. from 9 pm). An individual schedule can be created
• Notifications: Push notifications can be limited in time to create less distraction (e.g. at night or during school hours).

What else parents should consider

Make sure that your child gives the correct date of birth when registering. Only then will age-appropriate protective measures take effect. Check the data protection settings together and explain why a private account makes sense. Older teenagers should also consider whether they want to show their content publicly.

As a parent, you cannot directly track which videos your child is watching or who they are writing to. Messages or comments are not visible to you – so your child’s privacy is protected as far as possible. This makes mutual trust and the question: Can your child already use media consciously and safely?

Make sure you regularly discuss together whether the settings you have made are still suitable or should be adjusted. Don’t make decisions over your child’s head, but together with them. This will encourage understanding and personal responsibility. Also explain which aspects of the app you view critically and which rules apply to its use in your family.

Keep the conversation going: Ask what ‘s hot on TikTok at the moment, what your child is interested in or which influencers they find exciting. This way you stay close – and your child feels taken seriously.

Remember: TikTok collects data about usage behavior. Talk to your child about how personalized content, advertising and in-app purchases work – and consider together which data protection settings make sense.

You can find more information about TikTok here.