TikTok Strengthens Teen Security: New Measures

TikTok has over one billion active users worldwide, and according to Pew Research (2024), it is the most used platform by American teenagers — ahead of YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat. In France, 78% of 13-17 year olds are active on TikTok (Mediametrie, 2024). In Morocco, the app has ranked among the most downloaded since 2022. In 2026, TikTok is not just an entertainment platform — it is the primary digital environment of an entire generation.

What has changed since the early controversies

TikTok has faced significant regulation in recent years:

• In 2023, the US FTC imposed a record fine of 5.7 billion dollars on TikTok (ByteDance) for illegal collection of children’s data
• In 2024, the European Union opened a formal investigation into TikTok under the Digital Services Act for insufficient protection of minors
• TikTok introduced “Teen Account” accounts (under 16s) with default restrictions on DMs and screen time
• The Screen Time Dashboard lets parents set limits directly from the parent app

These measures are real — but they do not cover all risks.

5 TikTok-specific risks in 2026

1. The hyper-targeted recommendation algorithm

TikTok’s algorithm is designed to maximise engagement — not wellbeing. Studies by Pew Research Center (2023) and the University of North Carolina (2024) showed that teenagers searching for content about weight loss were quickly exposed to pro-anorexia or self-harm content. The algorithm is effectively effective — which is the problem.

2. Duets and manipulative challenges

TikTok allows anyone to “duet” (create a reaction video to another). Malicious adults use this feature to interact with children’s videos inappropriately, sometimes without the child noticing.

3. Monetisation and live gifts

TikTok LIVE allows viewers to send virtual gifts purchased with real money. Teenagers seeking to accumulate gifts can be manipulated into producing increasingly daring content by adult viewers.

4. Normalised misinformation

The OECD (2024) ranked TikTok among the platforms where misinformation spreads fastest — particularly on health, politics and science. Teens who get their information primarily through TikTok develop a distorted worldview.

5. Unsolicited contact

Despite default restrictions on Teen Accounts, adults use public comments to establish first contact before moving the conversation to DMs or other platforms.

TikTok configuration guide for parents (2026)

1. Enable Paired Account — Link your adult account to your child’s to manage restrictions remotely.
2. Disable Duets and Stitch — Settings > Privacy > Duets and Stitch > “Followers” or “No one.”
3. Set the account to private — Only approved followers can view your child’s videos.
4. Enable restricted content filter — Settings > Digital Wellbeing > Restricted Mode.
5. Set screen time limits — Digital Wellbeing > Screen Time Management > Daily limit.

TikTok will still be here in 5 years. The question is not to ban it — it is to educate. Cyber Sqool prepares children to navigate TikTok critically: identifying misinformation, recognising algorithmic manipulation, and protecting their privacy.