How to manage TikTok with Family Pairing
TikTok shows short videos in a For You feed that mixes friends with content from people your child does not know. Family Pairing lets you set limits from your own account. It supplements conversation — it does not replace it.
In short
Set up Family Pairing from your TikTok → Settings → Family Pairing. Set daily screen time, review who can comment and send messages, and lock store purchases. Direct messages are for 16+. Watch some videos together so you understand what the feed actually shows.
1
Start Family Pairing
On your phone: Profile → menu (☰) → Settings and privacy → Family Pairing → Teen. Scan the QR code on your child’s phone, or send a link. They must accept. You do not need to use TikTok yourself — but you need an account for pairing.
2
Screen time and search time
Under Family Pairing you can set daily screen time and breaks. You can also see how much time they use and on which days. It is a conversation tool — not secret monitoring of every video. Use the numbers to agree on breaks, not to scold.
3
Privacy and messages
Review who can comment, duet and send messages. Direct messages are limited to 16+ on TikTok. Under-16s cannot go LIVE. Talk about what to do if a stranger messages them. Agree they show you contact that feels odd.
4
The For You feed
Watch some videos together so you understand what the algorithm shows. Use «Not interested» and report inappropriate content. TikTok cannot filter everything — conversation at home matters most. Ask whether anything in the feed has made them sad or unsure.
5
Coins, gifts and purchases
Coins and gifts during LIVE are for 18+. Lock purchases in the App Store or Google Play. TikTok does not have its own monthly spending cap like Roblox. Ask whether they have seen others spend money on gifts — that can normalise spending.
For bullying or unwanted contact: SletDet or Childline 116 111. Use the App & Game Decoder to understand TikTok’s features. Block and report in the app if someone does not respect boundaries.
Related checks
All checks →Interactive checks that fit what you are reading about here.
Privacy Exposure Checker
Review what personal information may be visible or easy to piece together online.
Parental Control Checker
See whether parental controls are set up and working as expected.
Is the message or offer a scam?
Your child got something odd — a link, an offer or a request. We guide you through the assessment.
More help in Denmark
If you need someone to talk to, use these — they are free, and they take parents and children.
- SletDet counselling 29 27 01 01
Save the Children’s free counselling in Denmark for children, young people and parents facing bullying, image sharing, hacking and other harmful experiences online. Call 29 27 01 01. You do not need everything sorted before you call.
- Parents’ Helpline 35 55 55 57
Børns Vilkår. Free, anonymous counselling for parents and relatives in Denmark on 35 55 55 57. They take calls about screens, conflict and online problems.
- Media Council for Children and Young People
Public guidance in Denmark on children, young people and digital media. Advice on age, content and parent conversations — without sales language.
- Cyberbullying — DKR
The Danish Crime Prevention Council on cyberbullying, and where to get help. Good for understanding what is happening and who to contact at school.
Sources
TikTok Support
About Family PairingTikTok Support
Direct messaging eligibilitySletDet counselling
SletDet counsellingParents’ Helpline
Parents’ HelplineMedia Council for Children and Young People
Media Council for Children and Young PeopleCyberbullying — DKR
Cyberbullying — DKR