Following a reprieve from a potential US ban, TikTok is introducing enhanced parental controls and well-being tools to promote healthier digital habits for teenagers.
The new Time Away Scheduling feature allows parents to establish customized screen-free periods during school hours, bedtime, or weekends. While teenagers can request additional screen time, parents have the final say.
Features
Parents now have visibility into who their child follows, who follows them, and any blocked accounts with the Teen Network Visibility feature.
Additionally, Proactive Reporting Alerts empower teenagers to report content that may violate TikTok’s community guidelines. This feature gives them the option to notify a trusted adult, even if family pairing is not enabled.
With these updates, family pairing on TikTok offers parents more than 15 customizable safety, privacy, and well-being features to tailor their teen’s experience on the platform.
ALSO READ: TikTok returns to Apple, Google app stores after Trump delays ban
Wind down
TikTok has introduced a wind-down feature for users under 16 to help them develop mindful screen time habits. If teenagers are active on TikTok after 10 pm, their ‘For You Feed’ will be interrupted with a full-screen reminder and calming music, prompting them to log off. A more persistent prompt will follow if they continue scrolling.
Safety
Early trials show that most teenagers opt to keep these reminders enabled, indicating the effectiveness of the feature in promoting positive digital behaviors. TikTok plans to test meditation exercises within the feature to enhance sleep quality in the upcoming weeks.
TikTok is actively collaborating with global leaders to enhance age verification and digital safety measures across the industry. These latest updates emphasize TikTok’s dedication to digital safety and well-being.
US ban
TikTok made a comeback to the Apple and Google app stores after US President Donald Trump postponed its ban until 5 April. The Chinese-owned social media app, with over 170 million American users, was removed from the app stores on 18 January following the platform’s temporary suspension of service in response to a national security law.
ALSO READ: Navigating Budget 2025: Use these apps to manage your finances
