TikTok
Social network / video
Minimum age under the platform's terms. Accounts of users under 16 have some default restrictions (e.g. on private messages).
⚠️ Risks
- The algorithm can quickly show inappropriate content, dangerous challenges or videos that affect self-esteem.
- Comments and messages from strangers; live streams and “gifts” can be used to pressure or scam people.
- Overuse because of endless videos (infinite scroll), and effects on sleep.
🛡️ How to make it safer
- Safe settings: Profile → ☰ → Settings and privacy → Privacy → turn on Private account.
- In Privacy → Direct messages, Comments and Duet/Stitch → choose Friends or No one.
- Parents: use Family Pairing in Settings and privacy for screen time, Restricted Mode and message controls.
- Set a daily limit in Settings → Time and well-being → Screen time.
- Don't post your school uniform, your address or where you live.
Instagram
Social network / photos and video
Minimum age under the platform's terms. Teen users are automatically placed in a “Teen Account” with restrictions; for under-16s, changing some settings requires a parent's permission.
⚠️ Risks
- Comparing yourself with others, and filters, can affect self-esteem and body image.
- Messages from strangers, fake profiles and blackmail with photos (sextortion).
- Bullying in comments, stories and groups; location sharing.
🛡️ How to make it safer
- Safe settings: Profile → ☰ → Account privacy → Private account.
- In Messages and story replies → allow messages only from people you follow.
- In Comments and Hidden Words → turn on filtering of offensive comments.
- Parents: use Meta's Supervision / Family Center to manage time and limits, and to see who your child follows.
- Turn on two-factor authentication: Accounts Center → Password and security → Two-factor authentication.
Snapchat
Messaging / social network
Minimum age under the platform's terms.
⚠️ Risks
- “Disappearing” messages create a false sense of security, photos can be saved with a screenshot or another device.
- Snap Map can show your child's exact location.
- Friend requests from strangers and blackmail with photos; streaks create pressure to use the app every day.
🛡️ How to make it safer
- Safe settings: Profile → ⚙️ Settings → Privacy Controls → Contact Me → My Friends.
- Snap Map: open the map → ⚙️ → turn on Ghost Mode.
- In View My Story → My Friends; in See Me in Quick Add → turn it off.
- Parents: use Family Center to see your child's friends list and to report concerns.
- Never send a photo you wouldn't want the whole school to see.
Facebook and Messenger
Social network / messaging
Minimum age under the platform's terms. Teens have stricter default settings, and Meta's Supervision tools can be used.
⚠️ Risks
- Fake profiles and friend requests from strangers; messages asking for photos or to meet up.
- Shopping scams, fake lotteries and account theft through links.
- Public personal information (school, town, family) that helps scammers.
🛡️ How to make it safer
- Safe settings: Menu → Settings & privacy → Settings → Privacy Checkup.
- Set your posts and friends list to Friends; Who can send you friend requests → Friends of friends.
- In Messenger → Privacy & safety → Message delivery → send requests from strangers to Message requests, or don't receive them at all.
- Turn on two-factor authentication in Accounts Center → Password and security.
- Don't accept friend requests from people you don't know in real life.
BeReal
Social network / photos
ℹ️ 13+ (check current terms)
Minimum age under the platform's terms; check the current terms.
⚠️ Risks
- Photos taken with the front and back cameras often reveal your room, school or other people.
- Your location can be shared with your posts.
- Public posts (Discovery) can be seen by strangers.
🛡️ How to make it safer
- Safe settings: post for Friends only, not publicly.
- Turn off location sharing before every post.
- Only accept people you know in real life as friends.
- Check what can be seen in the background before you post.
Pinterest
Ideas and images
Minimum age under the platform's terms; teen accounts are private by default.
⚠️ Risks
- Content that affects body image (diets, the “ideal body”).
- Links to external websites with ads or scams.
- Messages from strangers if the account is public.
🛡️ How to make it safer
- Safe settings: Settings → Privacy and data → keep your profile private.
- In Messages, allow only people you follow.
- Be careful when tapping links that take you outside Pinterest.
- Report pins that encourage self-harm or extreme diets.
Ages are based on platform terms and PEGI ratings at the time of publishing and may change. A minimum age does not mean an app is suitable for every child of that age.
