TikTok Expands Safeguards to Support Teens and Families

TikTok is taking another step in enhancing online safety for teens with expanded Family Pairing controls and new features designed to promote balanced digital habits. As millions of young users turn to TikTok to express creativity, connect with friends, and learn, these updates offer parents more tools to ensure a safe and positive experience on the platform.

Enhanced Family Controls for Personalized Supervision

Since launching Family Pairing five years ago, TikTok has continuously introduced new ways for parents to guide their teens’ digital journey. Now, caregivers can:

• Set Time Away schedules – Parents can decide when their teen takes a break from TikTok, whether during school, family time, or bedtime. Teens can request extra time, but the final decision rests with parents.
• Monitor follower activity – Parents can now see who their teen follows, who follows them, and which accounts they’ve blocked—encouraging open conversations about online interactions.
• Get alerts on reported content – Teens who report a video for breaking TikTok’s rules will soon have the option to notify a trusted adult at the same time, even if Family Pairing isn’t enabled.
• Adjust over 15 safety and privacy settings, including reactivating TikTok’s STEM feed, setting customized screen time limits, and switching their teen’s account back to private mode if changed.

Helping Teens Build Healthier Digital Habits

TikTok is also introducing a new “wind down” feature to help teens disconnect at night. For users under 16, scrolling after 10 PM will trigger:

• A full-screen prompt with calming music to encourage logging off.
• A second, harder-to-dismiss reminder if they continue using the app.

TikTok also remains committed to reducing nighttime notifications and is testing meditation exercises to further support healthy screen habits and better sleep.

Strengthening Age Assurance and Safety Measures

TikTok continues to invest in age verification technologies to ensure young users have an age-appropriate experience. The platform is:

• Using AI-powered tools to prevent users under 13 from accessing TikTok.
• Exploring telecom-based verification through a partnership with Telefónica.
• Collaborating with global organizations to develop industry-wide solutions for age assurance.

By prioritizing safety, well-being, and responsible digital habits, TikTok is reinforcing its commitment to creating a secure space for young users and families worldwide.

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