TikTok has announced new measures to improve parental oversight and manage teenagers' screen time amid increasing concerns about the influence of social media on adolescent mental health.
The latest update, which went live in the EU and the US, includes a "Time Away" tool allowing parents to set daily time limits or specific usage windows for their teens. Once activated, this feature can't be bypassed without parental permission, highlighting its efficiency in reducing excessive screen time.
The expansion of TikTok's Family Pairing features offers parents additional oversight tools. Parents can now track their children's followers, check the accounts they follow, and review any blocked accounts. Additionally, teens will soon be able to contact their parents when they report a video, encouraging a more open discussion about online safety.
TikTok is also rolling out a nighttime "Wind Down" feature for users under 18 to promote digital mindfulness. This feature includes additional reminders after 10 p.m. and, for users under 16, a "Mediation" feature offering relaxation exercises with soothing music. Teens will, however, be able to disable this function. These changes are consistent with TikTok's mission to promote responsible digital use while minimizing potential negative consequences on young users' well-being.
The platform's modifications come with increased scrutiny from authorities and lawmakers worldwide. In France, an inquiry into TikTok's psychological impact on youngsters continues, while Albania is considering a temporary ban in response to claims linking online disputes to real-world violence.
TikTok has defended its content moderation efforts, highlighting that it employs over 6,000 moderators who oversee material in European languages. Between July and September, the company reported removing over 24 million suspected underage accounts and claiming to have removed over 95% of harmful content in 24 hours.
Despite these efforts, TikTok has been slower than its competitors, including Meta, in implementing such functionalities. However, with these enhanced parental controls and mindfulness tools, TikTok plans to balance engagement and the well-being of its young users.