TikTok Introduces New Parental Control Features To Curb Minor Misuse
TikTok has stated that it has begun to roll out more parental control measures in response to community comments about the impact of TikTok video consumption on minors.
According to a March 19 press release, TikTok‘s new safety and well-being tools are intended to assist families in establishing healthier digital habits for teens.
Although the ‘Family Pairing’ option was established five years ago, TikTok has continued to improve it as needed.
One of the new features is ‘Time Away scheduling,’ which allows parents to specify screen-free times when their teenagers are not permitted to use TikTok.
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These periods may occur during school hours, bedtime, or family time.
The second feature, ‘Expanded Family Visibility,’ allows parents to watch who their teen follows and who follows them.
Parents can also restrict accounts to encourage open dialogue regarding online interactions.
Another new tool is ‘Proactive Reporting Alerts to Parents,’ which allows adolescents to report a video that may violate TikTok’s regulations.
This feature allows them to notify a trusted adult even if ‘Family Pairing’ is not enabled. It is intended to promote continuing discussions between teens and their families about their TikTok experiences.
A new ‘Wind-Down Feature’ has also been included to encourage teens to log off at night.
This function displays a full-screen notice with calming music to users under the age of 16 who are on TikTok after 10 p.m.
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— TikTokComms (@TikTokComms) March 17, 2025
If they persist, a second, more difficult-to-dismiss prompt will appear.
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With these four enhancements, the ‘Parental Pairing’ function now includes over 15 adjustable safety, privacy, and well-being elements that allow parents to tailor their teen’s TikTok experience.
“At TikTok, safety is at the core of everything we do. These new updates are part of our ongoing commitment to empowering families with the tools they need to foster healthy digital habits,” said Adam Presser, Head of Operations & Trust and Safety at TikTok.
“By enhancing Family Pairing, strengthening our industry partnerships, and introducing innovative well-being features, we’re ensuring that young users can explore, create, and connect in a safe and positive online environment.”
The new features were made possible by a TikTok campaign in Kenya called #SaferTogether, which involved nearly 390,000 pupils, 6,504 parents, and 5,307 teachers nationwide.
TikTok Introduces New Parental Control Features To Curb Minor Misuse
