Is Reddit safe for kids?

High risk

A massive forum network with excellent content in some corners and genuinely harmful content in others — the algorithm decides which one your teen finds first.

How we rate →

How that verdict changes by age

Not recommended · Strangers can message your child
- Is Reddit safe for a 6–9-year-old?
Handle with care · Strangers can message your child

Quick facts
Minimum age	Not specified
Strangers can contact	Yes
Location sharing	No
Disappearing messages	Not verified
Parental visibility	None

What to do

Not recommended under 16. Ages 16+ with account created together and NSFW content disabled. Regular check-ins on what communities they participate in.

Reddit Parental Controls — What Exists and How to Lock It DownOpen the setup guide →

What it actually is

Reddit is a network of communities (called subreddits) covering every topic imaginable. The platform hosts some of the best educational and supportive communities on the internet alongside some of the worst. For teens, the risk is the recommendation algorithm — starting from one community leads to increasingly niche and sometimes harmful ones. Reddit has communities dedicated to eating disorders, self-harm, drug use, and extremist ideologies. The minimum age is 13 but there is no verification. NSFW content requires an account toggle but that toggle is trivial to turn on.

Finding Reddit on a device

Search "Reddit" on the home screen
Check browser history for reddit.com
Look for third-party Reddit apps: Apollo, Relay, RIF

If you allow Reddit (16+ recommendation)

Create the account together — use an anonymous username, no real name
Settings → Safety & Privacy → turn off personalized ads
Ensure NSFW content toggle is OFF (Profile → Settings → Content Preferences)
Review the subreddits they're subscribed to: Profile → r/ shows joined communities