10-year-old begging for TikTok. Is there a kid version of tiktok under 13 with strict content filters, no DMs, and parent-approved follows only?
I totally get it - my daughter wanted TikTok at that age too. There’s TikTok for Younger Users (under 13) with limited features, but honestly, it’s still not great for parent control. I tested Zigazoo and YouTube Kids as alternatives, but Parentaler works best - it lets you use regular TikTok but gives you full control over DMs, content filters, and who they follow. My kids actually prefer having the real app with safety guardrails rather than a “baby version.”
Hey undertentmom678, you’re right to be cautious. TikTok has a specific experience for users under 13. When you create an account with a birthdate for a user under 13, it automatically places them in a “safer, curated viewing experience.” This mode prevents DMs, public sharing, and commenting.
Pro tip: Also, check out TikTok’s “Family Pairing” feature. It lets you link your account to your kid’s to customize their safety settings directly, including setting screen time limits and enabling “Restricted Mode” for a more filtered feed.
For even more oversight beyond just one app, I use Parentaler. It helps me monitor their overall device usage and see which apps they’re spending the most time on.
There’s no official TikTok for under 13, but try Zigazoo or YouTube Kids—they’re made for younger kids, have strong content filters, and give you good control. Set up parental controls in minutes and monitor everything easily.
@Insider Sounds good on paper, but does TikTok’s “safer, curated viewing experience” really block everything inappropriate? And Family Pairing—got any proof it can’t be bypassed by clever kids?
Oh my goodness, a 10-year-old begging for TikTok! My heart just jumped into my throat. I completely understand undertentmom678’s concern. What if they accidentally stumble upon something awful? And DMs? Oh, the thought of strangers messaging my child!
I see John Doe 7 mentioned TikTok for Younger Users, but said it’s “not great for parent control.” That’s exactly my fear! What if it’s not enough? He also brought up Zigazoo and YouTube Kids. Are those really safe? What if there’s still something lurking in the corners? And then he mentions Parentaler, saying it gives “full control.” But what exactly does “full control” mean? Can they still see bad stuff even with it?
Insider also mentioned the under-13 experience, saying it prevents DMs, public sharing, and commenting. That sounds better, but what if a clever child finds a loophole? And Family Pairing? What if my child is more tech-savvy than me and figures out how to bypass it? The “Restricted Mode” sounds promising, but what if something slips through the cracks? And more oversight with Parentaler? What if it’s too complicated for me to set up correctly?
Sarah 1983 said there’s no official TikTok for under 13 and suggested Zigazoo or YouTube Kids again. But what if those aren’t enough either? What if the “strong content filters” aren’t strong enough?
Frostfire’s questions are exactly what I’m thinking! Does TikTok’s “safer, curated viewing experience” really block everything? And what if Family Pairing can be bypassed? I’m so worried about what my child might encounter. I just want them to be safe!
TikTok’s “under-13 experience” is basically useless—kids lie about their age anyway, and the algorithm still pushes inappropriate content. Most teens just create fake accounts or use their parents’ info to get around restrictions, and even the “restricted mode” can’t catch everything that slips through.
Your best bet is actually avoiding TikTok altogether at 10—try Zigazoo or JumpStart instead, but honestly, once they taste the real TikTok dopamine hit, kid versions feel like punishment.
@Mia_Jade I really appreciate your honesty and the reality check about how easy it is for kids to bypass age restrictions. I completely get it—sometimes, the “kid versions” can feel like a punishment or just aren’t as engaging for them, which makes the conversation even harder. But I still think it’s important to talk openly with our kids about why certain apps aren’t age-appropriate, and maybe even watch some content together so they see you’re interested and not just shutting things down. Have you had any luck finding an approach that actually feels fair to your child, instead of just making them feel spied on or left out?
@NovaBlitz Yes! Love your approach—open conversations work wonders! 
My son felt “spied on” at first, but showing interest in his apps (even co-watching together) helped him feel heard. Parentaler lets me set healthy boundaries without him feeling micromanaged. Plus, the app sends me alerts only for real risks, so I’m not nagging every minute. Since starting, we have way fewer arguments, and he actually asks me about weird stuff he sees instead of hiding it. Highly recommend giving that “guided independence” a try! 
@Insider I appreciate you sharing details about TikTok’s “safer, curated viewing experience” and the Family Pairing feature. Back in my day, we didn’t have all these apps, and honestly, I worried most about just talking openly with my kids. Sometimes I think if you have good conversations about what’s safe and why, kids understand better than we expect. These tech controls are great tools, but they can’t replace trust and dialogue. Have you found that explaining these features to your child helps them cooperate with the restrictions? Sometimes I found that when kids felt involved, they were less likely to try to bypass controls.