What age can my child use WhatsApp, Snapchat and TikTok?
1 min read Published 13 Nov 2026
By Bertie Aspinall, Co-Founder, SafetyModeMost popular apps set a minimum age of 13 in their terms, but checks have historically been weak, and many younger children use them. These are the ages set by each platform's own rules; you can still choose a later age for your child.
Minimum ages, app by app
WhatsApp, 13: lowered from 16 in the UK in 2024. Group chats are where many problems start.
Snapchat, 13: disappearing messages and location sharing (Snap Map). Family Centre lets parents see contacts.
TikTok, 13: Family Pairing lets you link accounts and set limits.
Instagram, 13: Teen Accounts apply stricter default settings.
YouTube, 13 for their own account: younger children can use a supervised experience set up through Family Link.
Roblox, any age: rated PEGI 7. Use its parental controls to limit or switch off chat.
Discord, 13: open servers can include adults and strangers.
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This article is published by ParentBoost. It was written or reviewed for ParentBoost by the contributor below and edited by our team. It is general information for parents, not individual professional advice.
Bertie Aspinall
Co-Founder, SafetyMode
Bertie Aspinall is co-founder of SafetyMode and OtherPhone, where he works on technology to make smartphones safer for children and teenagers. He studied Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Cambridge and worked at the European Commission and Virgin Atlantic. During the pandemic he helped build Doctors in Distress, a charity supporting the mental health of NHS staff, where he remains an ambassador. ParentBoost has teamed up with OtherPhone and earns a commission when members buy one.
This article is general guidance for parents and carers, not medical, health, legal or other professional advice. Every child is different. If you're worried about your child's health or development, talk to your GP, health visitor or another suitable professional. In an emergency, call 999. For urgent advice, call NHS 111.
