Teenagers and TikTok, how do you actually monitor it? | DadHQ

Teenagers and TikTok, how do you actually monitor it?

3d ago1 min read

My 14 year old is on TikTok constantly and I have no idea what she's watching half the time. I know some of it is just dancing videos but I'm concerned about the algorithm showing her stuff that's not age appropriate. She gets defensive if I try to check or talk about it. Tried parental controls but she found a way around them. How are other dads handling the teenage social media thing without creating a war?

6 comments186 views

Comments(6)

BBob M.Regular3d ago

I started following her on there so I could actually see what she's into. It's weird at first but you get the algorithm after a while. Way better than guessing.

AAdam K.New Dad3d ago

The dancing videos are usually fine but yeah, TikTok's rabbit holes are real. We did screen time limits and asked our 14 year old to show us her For You page sometimes. Easier than constant monitoring.

MMarco R.New Dad3d ago

I don't have teenagers yet but my wife is already worried about this and our kid isn't even 2. Would love to see what other people do because I feel like restricting it completely just makes them want it more.

SStevenRegular2d ago

Follow her account or ask her to follow you back so you can at least see some of what's in her feed. She might hate it at first but it's way better than spyware.

AAntonioRegular3d ago

Screen Time parental controls only get you so far. What actually worked for me was setting up a family agreement about what apps are okay and checking in regularly without being creepy about it. TikTok's algorithm is wild though, one minute it's dance videos and the next who knows.

AAntonioRegular3d ago

This is the stuff that keeps me up at night honestly. My oldest is getting close to that age and I'm genuinely terrified. Have you tried just asking her directly what kind of content she's watching? Sometimes that works better than trying to sneak around.