Every single kid at school has TikTok now apparently and mine is the only one without it. He's begging us daily. I think he's too young and the algorithm stuff worries me but my wife thinks we're being overprotective. Thinking about letting him have it but with screen time limits and me able to see what he's watching. Is that a reasonable compromise or am I crazy for even considering it?
The everyone has it argument is tough because it's actually kind of true at that age. But that doesn't mean he needs it. We let ours have heavily restricted access to YouTube instead, which scratched the same itch without the TikTok algorithm chaos.
I get the FOMO feeling he's got but you know your kid best. There's a tire swing in my backyard that keeps mine plenty entertained without the algorithm doing the parenting. You're making the right call.
10 is still pretty young for TikTok honestly. The algorithm stuff is real and it can pull them down rabbit holes quick. We've pushed back on it too even though the peer pressure is brutal.
I get why he wants it but 10 is pretty young. My son asked at the same age and we waited until 12. By then he had more sense about not posting personal stuff. Maybe offer a compromise like supervised use or something limited?
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Just say no and stick with it. I know that sounds harsh but the FOMO passes and there are better apps for kids anyway. TikTok's algorithm is basically designed to hook kids and keep them hooked.