Reddit: the parent’s guide

Reddit is not for under-13

Reddit’s minimum age is 13 (or 18 for some subreddits). NSFW content is one click away on any general account. Reddit is not a social media app designed for kids — it’s an adult conversation platform.

If your teen uses Reddit

• Account age 13+ only.
• Settings › Safety & Privacy › Blocked communities — block explicit subreddits (and categories) globally.
• Settings › Safety & Privacy › Show adult content — off (under-18 accounts can’t toggle this, but check).
• Settings › Chat & Messages › Who can send chat requests — Nobody or Followed.
• Settings › Chat & Messages › Who can send private messages — Nobody.
• Two-step verification on.
• Personalized ads off.

Hidden risks

• NSFW subreddits — click to reveal on general accounts. Ensure the 18+ toggle is off.
• Communities that normalize self-harm or eating disorders. Report and block.
• Chat DMs from strangers — turn off DMs entirely unless your teen has a specific reason.
• Drug sales and illegal services occasionally surface on general Reddit.

The comment-algorithm problem

Reddit’s home feed / popular tab surfaces controversial content. Prefer subreddit-specific browsing over doomscrolling the front page. For under-15 teens, consider the Reddit app blocked and reserve Reddit for a laptop with DNS filtering.

When to block it entirely

For kids under 14, block Reddit at the app store (age rating), at the OS level (Screen Time / Family Link), and at the network level (DNS). Layer it.