Fellow Millennial parents might assume Tumblr has gone by the wayside with other early-2000s social media sites like MySpace and LiveJournal. You might be surprised to learn the microblogging platform is enjoying a major resurgence, fueled by Gen Z. But is Tumblr safe for kids?
This guide discusses why kids like Tumblr, its risks, and what parents can do to help keep their child safe on the app.
What is Tumblr?
Launched in 2007, Tumblr is a cross between a social media platform and a microblogging site. Users can create blogs and share them with friends and followers either on the Tumblr app or on other social media platforms.
Tumblr blogs span from fanfiction to art to memes, and everything in between.
Why is Tumblr so popular with kids?
The younger generation is flocking to Tumblr in record numbers. A whopping 50% of users are Gen Z. Here are some of the many reasons Tumblr is so popular with kids:
Fandom. Kids use Tumblr to follow writers, artists, and other creatives they’re drawn to.
Creative expression. Many kids turn to Tumblr as a way to showcase their own creativity.
Community. Tumblr recently introduced Communities, group spaces where users can connect with others who share similar interests.
Exploring interests. Because Tumblr is organized around interest-based communities, like writing or drawing, it’s a way for kids to deep dive into their passions.
Real-time feedback. Tumblr’s feed feature gives users real-time feedback on what they post in the form of likes, replies, and messages.
Acceptance. Tumblr’s active LGBT+ community gives young users a space to explore their identity and learn from others.
Like other social media platforms, users in the US must be at least 13. However, age verification relies on users self-reporting, so it’s very easy to subvert.
Does Tumblr have parental controls?
Tumblr has zero parental controls, so they get a big ol' F on this metric.
Tumblr poses significant risks for kids, including:
Inappropriate content. Pornography, racy content, adult language, and depictions of drug use can all be easily found on Tumblr. There is a Safe Mode, but with no parental controls, it can’t be locked, so kids can turn it off.
No private account option. All Tumblr accounts are public, meaning anyone can follow your child.
Exposure to strangers. Public accounts plus a direct messaging feature open kids up to catfishing, scams, and predatory behavior.
Dangerous rabbit holes. If your child clicks on something problematic (even by accident), the algorithm will start suggesting similar content. This can lead kids into the darker corners of Tumblr filled with hate speech, misogyny, and violent rhetoric.
How to keep your child safe on Tumblr
Here are some actions you can take to make your child’s experience on Tumblr safer:
Educate them on the risks. Talk to your child to be on the lookout for danger on Tumblr, including how to spot grooming and the dangers of addictive algorithms.
Teach them what to do if they encounter a problem. Show them how to report content and encourage them to also let you know if they encounter any problems on the platform.
Stay involved in their usage. One of the most effective steps you can take to keep your child safe on any platform is to stay involved. You can do this by following them (dust off your 2010-era account and hit that Follow button), practicing safety check-ins, and discussing their experience together.
Using a monitoring app. BrightCanary monitors what your child types on all the platforms they use on their iPhone or iPad, including Tumblr. If they’re searching for concerning material or messaging anything concerning, you’ll be able to see it on the app.
Final word
Tumblr offers a creative space for users to gather around shared interests. However, the lack of parental controls, public accounts, and exposure to problematic content make the platform unsafe for younger teens. Kids under 15 shouldn’t be allowed to use Tumblr, and parents should take an active role in protecting their child on the app.
For parents who take online safety seriously, BrightCanary offers the most comprehensive monitoring on Apple devices. Monitor what your child sends on all the apps they use, including Tumblr, Discord, and even text messages. Download today and get started for free.
