Ensuring Safety and Age-Appropriate Experiences on TikTok

TikTok is a platform that brings together creators from diverse backgrounds to connect with a global community and spread joy. The safety of the TikTok community is a top priority, and the platform has a dedicated team of professionals working to keep it safe for everyone.

To promote age-appropriate experiences, TikTok has a 12+ rating in the App Store. This allows parents to use parental controls to prevent their teenagers from downloading the app. TikTok also has an age-gate that requires users to provide their complete birthdate, discouraging them from entering incorrect information. In the United States, users under 13 are directed to TikTok for Younger Users, a curated viewing experience with additional safeguards and privacy protections.

TikTok goes beyond the age gate to identify and remove suspected underage accounts. Their safety moderation team is trained to be vigilant for signs of underage users, and they rely on user-provided information and in-app reports to help identify potential underage accounts. When an account is believed to belong to an underage person, it is suspended.

TikTok is committed to transparency and has published the number of accounts removed for violating Community Guidelines in their Transparency Report. They will also share information on the removal of suspected underage accounts in future reports. This transparency contributes to the industry's progress in terms of user safety.

For teenagers aged 13-17, TikTok strives to create a safe and age-appropriate environment. Certain features like LIVE and Direct Messaging are restricted for younger teens, and accounts of users aged 13-15 are automatically set to private by default. TikTok provides resources for parents, such as Family Pairing features and the Guardian's Guide to TikTok, to facilitate conversations about digital safety and help them make informed decisions.

TikTok takes its responsibility to protect the community seriously and will continue to prioritize safety. To learn more about the safety features and resources offered for teens and families, please visit the Safety Center.