TikTok has introduced enhanced Family Pairing features to provide parents with tools for setting boundaries and customizable limits tailored to their family's needs. This includes a new Time Away feature, allowing parents to block access to TikTok during specific times, such as family time or school hours. Parents can also view their teen's followers and blocked accounts, fostering discussions about digital literacy.
Content Engagement and Safety
To address parents' concerns about content engagement, TikTok will soon allow teens to alert a parent or trusted adult when reporting videos that may violate TikTok's rules. Parents can now manage over 15 safety and privacy features, including:
- Customizable daily screen time limits (e.g., 30 minutes on weekdays).
- Default private settings for teen accounts.
- Re-enabling the STEM feed, which is popular among teens.
Encouraging Balanced Digital Habits
A new wind down feature will prompt teens under 16 to log off TikTok after 10 PM, using calming music and reminders to promote relaxation. If teens choose to continue using the app, they will receive a second reminder. TikTok plans to test adding meditation exercises to this feature to enhance sleep quality.
Age Assurance and Safety Partnerships
TikTok is committed to enforcing age rules and exploring new methods for confirming users' ages, including partnerships with Telefónica. The platform supports initiatives like the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Age Assurance to develop industry-wide approaches. TikTok's Digital Safety Partnership for Families aims to facilitate conversations about online experiences and establish positive digital boundaries.
TikTok is seeking feedback from its community to refine these features and will continue to prioritize the safety of teens on the platform throughout 2025.
