As the Online Safety Act comes into force, Sarah Baggaley gives Christian parents some tips in considering their teens’ use of Tik Tok
TikTok and today’s teen
TikTok, known for its viral trends and challenges, has quickly become one of the most popular social‑media apps among young people. British teens spend an average of two hours a day on TikTok. With its creative, fast‑paced content and personalised algorithm, it’s no surprise that teens devote so much time to the app. However, such a time commitment inevitably shapes how they think, grow, and interact with the world.
TikTok features short, looping videos (15 seconds to 10 minutes), delivered through a hyper‑personalised ’For You’ page. Users engage through likes, shares, comments, and duets (creating videos alongside others’ content).
Videos cover a variety of interests, such as music, dance, comedy, tutorials, and social justice. This can encourage creativity and self‑expression and even offer the possibility of going viral, making TikTok particularly engaging for teens.
TikTok, like any tool, can be used for good or for harm. It’s not just about managing screen time—it’s about forming strong foundations for your teen
TikTok’s minimum age requirement is 13 years old, although some features and content have additional age restrictions, such as starting a live video or sending direct messages. Despite this, many children younger than 13 actively use TikTok, with 50 percent of UK children aged 4‑18 reportedly using the app regularly.
So, how can Christian parents guide their teens to use TikTok wisely, safely, and faithfully?
Understanding the risks
While TikTok can be fun, it also raises real concerns that parents must be aware of:
- Inappropriate content: Teens may encounter explicit language, suggestive material, or harmful trends—even without actively searching for them—because of the algorithm.
- Algorithm exposure: TikTok learns and amplifies viewing habits, which can reinforce addictive or negative content.
- Addiction risks: TikTok offers no natural stopping point, making it hard to log off. This endless scroll is addictive, especially for developing minds.
- Mental‑health impacts: Constant exposure can fuel comparison, perfectionism, and body‑image struggles. Screen time has also been linked to isolation, anxiety, and depression in teens.
- Emotional regulation: Rapid shifts in content (from happy to sad to scary to funny—all within minutes) can affect young users’ emotional stability.
- Stranger interactions: Public profiles, comments, and direct messages (unless disabled) can expose teens to inappropriate or harmful contact.
- Dangerous challenges: Without proper guidance, young people may mimic harmful behaviour for online attention. Trends like the Tide Pod Challenge, where teens bit into laundry‑detergent pods for views, highlight this risk.
- Privacy risks: Teens may overshare—unaware of how quickly videos can go viral—and attract unwanted attention.
A Christian perspective: Faith in the digital world
As Christian parents, we’re called to equip our children to live faithfully—including in the digital world. Here are three Bible verses that are relevant for TikTok users.
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Encourage your teen to resist harmful trends and allow God to shape their choices.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Help your teen evaluate the content they engage with and steer them toward material that reflects Christlike values.
Galatians 1:10
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Remind your teen that their worth is not based on likes or views but on their identity as a child of God.
Read more
Helping your teen navigate Snapchat: A Christian parent’s guide to helping them flourish online
The online world: Friend or foe for Christian youth and children?
Are smartphones rewiring my kid’s brain?
How parents can help: Practical strategies
1. Open conversations
Talking openly about your teen’s online life is key. Ask about the content they enjoy, who they follow, and how TikTok makes them feel. Show curiosity without judgment. Watching videos together occasionally can help you stay connected and open the door for discussions. If they encounter something upsetting, help them process it calmly and biblically.
Let them know they can always come to you. If they fear your reaction, they might hide things. Try to show grace rather than criticism.
2. Agree on healthy boundaries
Structure helps build safety. Work with your teen to set boundaries together. For example, you might:
- Limit screen time (e.g., one hour per day, or only after homework).
- Set tech‑free times (e.g., during meals, or 30 minutes before bed).
- Create phone‑free zones (e.g., bedrooms at night, or during family time).
Frame these boundaries as a way to care for their mind, body, and spirit. Commit to them yourself rather than making them rules only for your teen; this highlights their importance.
3. Use TikTok’s parental controls
TikTok provides tools for parents:
- Family pairing: Link your account to your teen’s to manage screen time, restrict content, and control DMs.
- Restricted Mode: Filters out potentially mature content.
- Comment controls: Limit or turn off comments.
- Privacy settings: Encourage a private account, limiting visibility to approved followers.
Using these tools builds trust and provides a sense of security.
4. Teach digital wisdom
Help your teen think critically about what they see and post. Ask questions like:
- Why do I want to post this?
- Is this kind and respectful?
- Is this safe?
- Would I be OK with a teacher or youth leader seeing this?
- Does this reflect who I am, or who I think others want me to be?
Teach them to make decisions that align with their faith. Discuss privacy and remind them not to share personal details like their school or location. Make sure they know how to block users and report inappropriate content.
5. Monitor with trust
It’s good to check in, but do so in ways that foster trust. Occasional reviews—like browsing their “For You” page together—keep conversation open. Explain that your goal is not to spy but to support: “I trust you, and I want to help you navigate the online world in a way that honours God and protects your heart.”
6. Pray with and for your teen
Prayer is powerful. Pray with your teen about their online life, asking for wisdom, protection, and discernment. Also pray privately for:
- Protection from harmful influences.
- Their identity to be in Christ, not in online approval.
- An online presence that reflects love, kindness, and integrity.
Conclusion
TikTok, like any tool, can be used for good or for harm. It’s not just about managing screen time—it’s about forming strong foundations for your teen. As Christian parents, our role is to shepherd our children, guiding them to make wise, Christ‑honouring decisions even when we’re not watching. By maintaining open conversations, setting boundaries, using practical tools, and rooting digital habits in faith, we help our teens shine as lights for Christ in the online world.
