TikTok leads as the most popular platform among underage users, research reveals
A significant portion of children under the age of 13 in the United States are actively using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, despite clear age restrictions, according to a new study published in Academic Pediatrics. Researchers found that a majority of 11-to-15-year-olds had at least one social media account. Furthermore, the study revealed that 6.3% of young users maintained secret accounts hidden from their parents. Social media platforms set a minimum user age of 13 to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, which aims to protect young users from harmful content and data exploitation. However, many children bypass these age restrictions, raising concerns about their exposure to inappropriate material, online harassment, and addictive behaviors. Previous research has linked social media use in adolescents to poor sleep, mental health challenges, and exposure to risky behaviors such as substance use. The researchers sought to provide an updated, platform-specific analysis of underage social media use, especially given the rapid rise of platforms like TikTok, which appeal to younger audiences. They aimed to identify …