How many children use TikTok against the rules? Most, study finds

As the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether Congress can ban TikTok, new research highlights the health risks that top social media platforms pose to children.

Most 11- and 12-year-olds use TikTok and other social media despite the platforms’ age restrictions, and many show signs of addiction to social media, a new UC San Francisco study found.

TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat require users to be at least 13 years old to have an account. But the study found that a majority of 11- and 12-year-olds across the country have accounts on the platforms, and 6.3% have a social media account they hide from their parents.

The study includes data from a national sample of over 10,000 children between the ages of 11 and 15. It appears in the January issue of the journal Academic Pediatrics.

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments against Congress’ ban on TikTok, which is set to take effect Jan. 19. The case centers on national security, but researchers encourage lawmakers to consider children’s welfare, as well.

“Policymakers need to look at TikTok as a systemic social media issue and create effective measures that protect children online,” said Jason Nagata, MD, a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals and the lead author of the study.

“TikTok is the most popular social media platform for children, yet kids reported having more than three different social media accounts, including Instagram and Snapchat.”

In a previous study, Nagata found that problematic social media use among children included elements of addiction, such as the inability to stop despite trying, withdrawal, tolerance, conflict, and relapse.

In the current study, 25% of children with social media accounts reported often thinking about social media apps, and 25% said they use the apps to forget about their problems; 17% tried to use social media less but couldn’t; and 11% said using social media too much had hurt their schoolwork.

“Our study revealed a quarter of children reported elements of addiction while using social media, with some as young as eleven years old. The research shows underage social media use is linked with greater symptoms of depression, eating disorders, ADHD, and disruptive behaviors. When talking about social media usage and policies, we need to prioritize the health and safety of our children.”

To address the negative impacts of screen time and social media on children, the American Academy of Pediatrics has created the Family Media Plan. The plan gives families and children the opportunity to choose how they want to schedule their time online and offline.

“Every parent and family should have a family media plan to ensure children and adults stay safe online and develop a healthy relationship with screens and social media,” said Nagata, a father of two young children.

“Parents can create strong relationships with their children by starting open conversations and modeling good behaviors,” he said. “This is something I try to do with my own children.”

As the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether Congress can ban TikTok, new research highlights the health risks that top social media platforms pose to children.

Most 11- and 12-year-olds use TikTok and other social media despite the platforms’ age restrictions, and many show signs of addiction to social media, a new UC San Francisco study found.

TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat require users to be at least 13 years old to have an account. But the study found that a majority of 11- and 12-year-olds across the country have accounts on the platforms, and 6.3% have a social media account they hide from their parents.

The study includes data from a national sample of over 10,000 children between the ages of 11 and 15. It appears in the January issue of the journal Academic Pediatrics.

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments against Congress’ ban on TikTok, which is set to take effect Jan. 19. The case centers on national security, but researchers encourage lawmakers to consider children’s welfare, as well.

“Policymakers need to look at TikTok as a systemic social media issue and create effective measures that protect children online,” said Jason Nagata, MD, a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals and the lead author of the study.

“TikTok is the most popular social media platform for children, yet kids reported having more than three different social media accounts, including Instagram and Snapchat.”

In a previous study, Nagata found that problematic social media use among children included elements of addiction, such as the inability to stop despite trying, withdrawal, tolerance, conflict, and relapse.

In the current study, 25% of children with social media accounts reported often thinking about social media apps, and 25% said they use the apps to forget about their problems; 17% tried to use social media less but couldn’t; and 11% said using social media too much had hurt their schoolwork.

“Our study revealed a quarter of children reported elements of addiction while using social media, with some as young as eleven years old. The research shows underage social media use is linked with greater symptoms of depression, eating disorders, ADHD, and disruptive behaviors. When talking about social media usage and policies, we need to prioritize the health and safety of our children.”

To address the negative impacts of screen time and social media on children, the American Academy of Pediatrics has created the Family Media Plan. The plan gives families and children the opportunity to choose how they want to schedule their time online and offline.

“Every parent and family should have a family media plan to ensure children and adults stay safe online and develop a healthy relationship with screens and social media,” said Nagata, a father of two young children.

“Parents can create strong relationships with their children by starting open conversations and modeling good behaviors,” he said. “This is something I try to do with my own children.”