TikTok has announced the rollout of enhanced parental control features following community concerns about the impact of content consumption on teenagers.
In a press statement dated March 19, TikTok stated that the new safety and well-being tools aim to help families foster healthier digital habits.
While the ‘Family Pairing’ feature was introduced five years ago, the platform has continuously updated it to align with evolving user needs.
One of the key updates is ‘Time Away Scheduling,’ which allows parents to set screen-free periods, such as during school hours, bedtime, or family time.
Another feature, ‘Expanded Family Visibility,’ enables parents to monitor who their teen follows and who follows them. It also allows parents to block accounts, facilitating open discussions about online interactions.
TikTok has also introduced ‘Proactive Reporting Alerts to Parents,’ which gives teens the option to notify a trusted adult when they report a video for potentially violating TikTok’s guidelines. This feature applies even if ‘Family Pairing’ is not enabled, encouraging ongoing conversations about online experiences.
Additionally, a ‘Wind-Down Feature’ has been introduced to promote healthier screen habits at night. Users under 16 who remain on TikTok past 10 p.m. will receive a full-screen reminder accompanied by calming music. If they continue, a second, harder-to-dismiss prompt will follow.
With these four additions, the ‘Family Pairing’ feature now includes over 15 customizable safety, privacy, and well-being options to tailor a teen’s experience on TikTok.
Adam Presser, Head of Operations & Trust and Safety at TikTok, reaffirmed the platform’s commitment to creating a safer digital space.
“At TikTok, safety is at the core of everything we do. These new updates are part of our ongoing commitment to empowering families with the tools they need to foster healthy digital habits,” he stated.
“By enhancing Family Pairing, strengthening industry partnerships, and introducing innovative well-being features, we’re ensuring that young users can explore, create, and connect in a safe and positive online environment.”
The updates were influenced by the #SaferTogether campaign in Kenya, which engaged over 390,000 students, 6,504 parents, and 5,307 teachers across the country.
