TikTok expands parental controls to promote safer digital habits for teens

KARACHI: TikTok has introduced a new suite of parental control and well-being tools aimed at fostering healthier online behaviours among teens and strengthening platform safety. The updates, announced April 10, expand the company’s Family Pairing feature, giving parents greater visibility into their teens’ interactions and more options to manage screen time.

The expanded Family Pairing tools now include ‘Time Away Scheduling’, allowing parents to set customised screen-free periods, such as during school hours or bedtime. Teens can request additional time, but approval remains with parents. Another key addition, ‘Teen Network Visibility’, lets parents see who their teen follows, who follows them, and any blocked accounts -- information TikTok hopes will encourage more open conversations about online interactions.

A third update, ‘Proactive Reporting Alerts’, will soon allow teens to notify a trusted adult when reporting content that may violate community guidelines -- even if Family Pairing is not enabled.

In total, the Family Pairing tool now offers more than 15 customizable features that address safety, privacy and digital well-being. To further encourage healthier habits, TikTok is also rolling out a ‘Wind-Down’ feature for users under 16. If a teen is active on the app after 10pm, their feed will be interrupted by calming music and a full-screen reminder to log off. Persistent usage prompts a stronger nudge to exit the app. The company said early trials show most teens opt to keep the feature on, with meditation exercises set to be tested in future updates.

The company is also expanding its collaborations with global stakeholders to improve age assurance practices. It is working with Telefónica on mobile-based age verification and remains an active participant in the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Age Assurance, alongside groups such as the Centre for Information Policy Leadership and the WeProtect Global Alliance.

As part of its broader strategy, TikTok is expanding its Global Youth Council in 2025. Initially launched in 2023, the council provides a platform for teen voices and plays a key role in shaping safety and inclusivity initiatives on the app.