If your child uses TikTok, you need to read this. Court documents have revealed shocking videos of TikTok employees admitting they made their app addictive on purpose – even though they knew it could hurt kids.
What Happened?

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tiktok-employees-apps-mental-health-court-video-north-carolina-lawsuit/
A lawsuit in North Carolina forced TikTok to release internal company videos. In these videos, TikTok employees are caught on camera talking about how they deliberately designed the app to keep people scrolling for hours.
This isn’t coming from outside critics or competitors. These are TikTok’s own workers, speaking honestly in company meetings about what they were doing.
What TikTok Employees Actually Said
Here’s what TikTok’s own people admitted in these leaked videos:
They wanted kids to spend as much time as possible on the app: A TikTok marketing worker said: “We obviously wanted people to spend as much time as possible on TikTok, which can be in contrast to what is best for your mental health.”
They knew the app could trap kids in dangerous content: A safety worker explained how kids searching for fitness content could end up seeing only eating disorder videos, with no way to escape that bubble.
Their goal was to make sure kids never wanted to leave: A TikTok executive said their goal was creating content so engaging that “you never want to leave” the app.
Why This Matters
Here are the facts every parent should know:
- 6 out of 10 teenagers use TikTok
- TikTok was designed to be as addictive as possible
- The company knew this could harm mental health
- They did it anyway because they make money from ads – and ads need viewers
What TikTok Says Now
TikTok is fighting back, saying:
- These videos are taken out of context
- They have over 70 safety features for teens
- They care about user safety
The Problem With TikTok’s Response
Yes, TikTok now has safety features. But here’s what parents should ask:
Do you even know these settings exist? Most parents have no idea TikTok has 70+ safety settings. The company doesn’t make them easy to find.
Why are 70+ safety features needed? Think about this: if you bought a toy for your child and it came with 70+ safety warnings and settings, would you think it was safe? Or would you wonder if your child should have that toy at all?
Why do they keep adding features after problems are reported? Every time something bad happens, TikTok adds another safety feature. This shows they’re reacting to problems, not preventing them.
Is TikTok even meant for kids? TikTok wasn’t designed as a kids’ app, yet millions of children use it daily. That’s a problem.
What This Means for Your Family
These leaked videos prove what many parents suspected: TikTok cares more about keeping kids glued to screens than keeping them safe.
As a parent, you now have proof that:
- TikTok deliberately made their app addictive
- They knew it could harm mental health
- They chose profits over your child’s wellbeing
- Their current safety features are mostly damage control
Simple Steps You Can Take
Talk to your kids: Explain how TikTok is designed to keep them scrolling. Help them understand it’s not their fault if they feel addicted.
Set clear rules: Decide on time limits and stick to them. Consider phone-free times and zones.
Check their usage: Look at how much time your child actually spends on TikTok. You might be surprised.
Consider alternatives: Ask yourself if TikTok is really necessary for your child’s happiness and social life.
Stay informed: Keep reading about social media and its effects on children.
The Bottom Line
TikTok’s own employees have admitted they designed the app to be addictive, knowing it could harm children’s mental health. They did this to make money from advertising.
Now you know the truth. What you do with this information is up to you, but your child’s wellbeing should come first.
Remember: if a company needs 70+ safety features to make their product safe for children, maybe children shouldn’t be using that product in the first place.