TikTok exposing children to harmful content even when passively scrolling, study finds

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin and the HSE’s Department of Public Health said there was an 'urgent need' for stronger regulatory enforcement and digital health education to protect children from exposure to harmful content.

Passive scrolling on the social media platform TikTok is exposing children to harmful content, including hateful ideologies, depictions of suicide, and disordered eating, a new study has found.

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin and the HSE’s Department of Public Health found almost one in 20 clips suggested for teenagers on the platform’s “For You” feed violated TikTok’s own safety policies.