by
Block Party
February 19, 2025
Parents consistently cite TikTok and Snapchat as the two platforms they worry about most when it comes to their kids’ online safety. These apps are incredibly popular; they let kids express themselves, stay connected with friends, and keep up with the latest trends, but alongside all the fun comes real risks that every parent should be aware of. From data privacy issues to unwanted interactions and addictive design, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about these platforms.
As we talk to parents, the number one concern we hear about social media is screen time—how much their kids are spending on their devices, how difficult it can be to set limits (especially that they can’t get around), and how these apps are designed to encourage constant interaction. TikTok and Snapchat are two of the biggest culprits; they’re designed to keep users engaged as long as possible, using infinite scroll, streaks, and constant notifications to reinforce habitual use.
Their tactics, like “streaks” and excessive notifications pressure kids to stay engaged daily and create a sense of FOMO, driving further addiction. To counteract these effects, set screen time limits using built-in app controls or even your device settings, disable unnecessary notifications to reduce pressure and distraction, and encourage breaks and healthy boundaries for social media use.
Beyond excessive use, these platforms also pose risks related to privacy, online safety, and exposure to harmful content—issues that can have lasting effects on kids' well-being. We've outlined these additional concerns below.
The default settings on TikTok and Snapchat are designed to opt users into oversharing their personal data and activity without explicit consent. Public profiles can expose kids’ personal information to strangers, while default location settings go even further—broadcasting real-time whereabouts, including home addresses. On Snapchat’s Snap Maps, Bitmojis may even be marked with a house icon, signaling exactly where you live.
To reduce these risks, we suggest switching profiles to private, disabling location sharing, and reviewing the privacy settings across your accounts.
One caveat to be aware of is ad tracking. While many users opt to turn it off to limit data collection, this isn't always a perfect solution. Without ad tracking, platforms may have less context about a user’s age, which can sometimes result in even more inappropriate content being served. Understanding these tradeoffs can help you make the decision with your family about what’s worth it.
Without proper adjustments to privacy settings, kids can be exposed to unwanted interactions from strangers on social media. On TikTok, messages, friend requests, comments, duets, and other interactions can be sent by anyone, even if you’re not connected. This means your child’s profile and content could be exposed to people they don’t know.
On Snapchat, ephemeral content adds another layer of risk. Disappearing messages and stories create a false sense of security—yet screenshots and third-party apps can permanently save content. The fact that messages and posts vanish also makes it harder for parents to monitor what their kids are seeing and sharing.
To minimize these risks, restrict who can send messages, comment, and view posts or stories. It’s also important to encourage open conversations with your kids about being mindful of what they share online.
Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok’s Chinese ownership has raised concerns about data security and national influence. The U.S. government and several other countries have banned TikTok on official devices due to fears over how user data is collected and potentially accessed.
TikTok gathers an extensive amount of user data, including location, device details, and behavioral patterns, raising concerns about potential data access by foreign entities. Additionally, the app’s algorithm can promote content in ways that influence users’ opinions and behaviors.
To mitigate these risks, limit TikTok’s data collection by adjusting privacy settings, turning off personalized ads and tracking where possible, and discuss with your family whether TikTok is worth the risk.
Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce risks and help your family navigate these platforms more safely. Block Party’s expert checklists for TikTok and Snapchat provide step-by-step guidance on updating every critical setting to protect your accounts. Instead of digging through complicated settings menus, we’ve done the work for you—giving you clear, expert recommendations for each platform. Plus, with a full checklist to track your progress, you can be confident that your family’s accounts are as secure as possible with minimal effort.
Ready to secure your family’s social media settings? Get started below.
