TikTok, YouTube, Roblox & More
What parents need to know about the most popular platforms: age ratings, risks, and the most important safety settings.
Note:The age recommendations listed are guidelines. Every child is different. Official minimum ages are based on the respective terms of service (ToS), USK or PEGI ratings, and GDPR Art. 8 (consent for online services in Germany only valid from age 16). Recommended ages are based on expert assessments (AWMF guideline, AAP, BZgA).
6 Platforms Reviewed
What your child uses \u2014 and what you should know
For each platform: minimum age, risk assessment, concrete safety settings, and a parent tip.
TikTok
Sources: ToS TikTok; GDPR Art. 8; BZgA
Minimum age (official)
13 (per ToS)
Recommended (by experts)
14+
\u26A0\uFE0F Risks for children
- Addiction mechanism through endless feed and algorithmic recommendations
- Age-inappropriate content despite moderation
- Privacy concerns and extensive data collection
- Cybergrooming risk through direct messages
\uD83D\uDEE1\uFE0F Safety settings
- ✓Enable restricted mode
- ✓Set up screen time management
- ✓Set account to private
- ✓Disable direct messages
Parent Tip: Watch your child's For You Page together. This way you learn what content the algorithm selects and can start a conversation.
YouTube
Sources: ToS YouTube; AAP Media Guidelines
Minimum age (official)
13 (Kids: from 0)
Recommended (by experts)
10+ (with guidance)
\u26A0\uFE0F Risks for children
- Autoplay trap leads to uncontrolled continued streaming
- Age-inappropriate recommendations from the algorithm
- Comment sections with inappropriate content
\uD83D\uDEE1\uFE0F Safety settings
- ✓Use YouTube Kids (under 10)
- ✓Disable autoplay
- ✓Enable restricted mode
- ✓Pause search history
Parent Tip: Set up a supervised account through Google Family Link. This way you maintain control over recommendations without making your child feel monitored.
Roblox
Sources: Roblox Community Standards; USK
Minimum age (official)
No official minimum age
Recommended (by experts)
10+
\u26A0\uFE0F Risks for children
- In-app purchases (Robux) can quickly become expensive
- Chat with strangers possible in games
- Not all content is moderated or age-appropriate
\uD83D\uDEE1\uFE0F Safety settings
- ✓Enable account restrictions
- ✓Disable chat or restrict to friends only
- ✓Set a PIN for settings
- ✓Set spending limits for Robux
Parent Tip: Play a Roblox game together with your child. This way you understand the fascination and can better assess problematic content.
Fortnite
Sources: USK; PEGI 12; Epic Games ToS
Minimum age (official)
USK 12
Recommended (by experts)
12+
\u26A0\uFE0F Risks for children
- Significant time loss due to round-based gameplay and events
- In-app purchases for skins and Battle Pass
- Voice chat with strangers can be distressing
\uD83D\uDEE1\uFE0F Safety settings
- ✓Enable parental controls through Epic Games
- ✓Restrict or disable voice chat
- ✓Set up purchase confirmations
Parent Tip: Agree in advance on how many rounds can be played. One round takes about 20 minutes, creating a natural time framework.
Sources: GDPR Art. 8; WhatsApp ToS; BZgA
Minimum age (official)
16 (EU/GDPR)
Recommended (by experts)
14+
\u26A0\uFE0F Risks for children
- Class chat pressure with hundreds of messages daily
- Cyberbullying in groups
- Unwanted contact from strangers
\uD83D\uDEE1\uFE0F Safety settings
- ✓Make profile picture visible to contacts only
- ✓Hide status
- ✓Restrict group invitations to contacts
Parent Tip: Discuss with your child that they can leave groups at any time. Agree on rules for class chats, e.g., no messages after 8 PM.
Sources: ToS Instagram; GDPR Art. 8; AAP; internal Meta studies
Minimum age (official)
13 (per ToS)
Recommended (by experts)
16+
\u26A0\uFE0F Risks for children
- Body image distortion through filters and unrealistic portrayals
- FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) through stories and likes
- Addiction mechanism through algorithmic feed
- Privacy concerns and extensive profile analysis
\uD83D\uDEE1\uFE0F Safety settings
- ✓Set up a private account
- ✓Enable activity reminders
- ✓Restrict sensitive content
- ✓Turn on comment filters
Parent Tip: Internal Meta studies show: Instagram can negatively affect teenagers' body image. Talk openly about the fact that much of what they see is staged.
For all platforms
General Tips for Parents
These basic rules apply across all platforms and reduce risks in digital everyday life.
Set up together
Set up every new app or platform together with your child. This way both of you get to know the settings.
Check regularly
Safety settings can change with updates. Check them every few weeks.
Stay in conversation
Regularly ask what your child experiences online. Interest instead of control builds trust.
Be a role model
Children closely observe our own media behavior. Model what you wish to see from your child.
No absolute bans
Outright bans often lead to secret use. Jointly agreed rules are more sustainable.
Guide age-appropriately
What works for a 10-year-old may no longer apply for a 14-year-old. Adapt rules to the developmental stage.
Sources: AWMF Guideline (2023), AAP Media Guidelines, BZgA, GDPR Art. 8, USK, PEGI, respective platform ToS. Technical settings may change \u2014 as of April 2026.
From Knowledge to Action
Now you know what matters for each platform. The next step is to set up your child's devices safely.