As the digital world becomes increasingly intertwined with daily life, social media platforms like TikTok recognise the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for young users.
TikTok announced on Tuesday the expansion of its Family Pairing feature with new tools designed to give parents more control and ensure a safer experience for teens on the platform.
The safety feature, which was first rolled out in 2020, allows parents, guardians, and teens to customize their safety settings based on individual needs.
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TikTok introduces ‘Time Away,’ follower insights for parental control
The latest updates introduce two key features: the ability to block access to TikTok during specific times and increased visibility into a teen’s follower list. Parents can now use the Time Away feature to decide when their teens should take a break from the app, whether during family meals, school hours, or bedtime.
Teens can request extra time, but the final decision remains with parents. Additionally, parents can see who their teen is following, who follows them, and which accounts have been blocked, fostering open discussions about online interactions and helping teens manage their digital relationships safely.
TikTok also said it is introducing a wind-down feature to promote healthier digital habits. This feature will prompt teens under 16 with full-screen reminders and calming music if they’re still on the app past 10 p.m. A meditation component is also being tested to encourage better bedtime routines.
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TikTok adds 15+ parental control options
TikTok has continued to expand its parental controls since the launch of Family Pairing. Parents now have access to over 15 adjustable settings, including options to enable a STEM-focused feed, customize screen time limits for weekdays and weekends, and reset a teen’s account to private if it was previously public.
The company is also developing a feature that allows teens to notify a trusted adult when reporting content that may violate platform guidelines.
“Since launching Family Pairing – TikTok’s parenting controls – five years ago, we’ve continually added new features based on feedback from families and guidance from leading experts,” TikTok noted in its announcement. “With increased visibility into their teen’s network, parents will be better equipped to have ongoing conversations and help their teens develop the digital literacy skills they need.”
TikTok’s commitment to teen safety includes default screen time limits, enhanced privacy protections, and proactive removal of suspected underage users. The company enforces strict safeguards for minors and prioritizes user safety and well-being.