TikTok’s new features to help parents manage screen time, enhance safety, and promote healthier digital habits for teens
TikTok introduces new features to support parents and encourage healthier relationships with digital and social media for teens
TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide, is taking new steps to enhance safety and promote digital well-being among teens. With growing concerns about screen time, online interactions, and content exposure, TikTok has introduced a range of features designed to help parents guide their teens’ online experiences more effectively. These updates build on the platform’s existing safety measures, aiming to create a healthier and more balanced digital environment.
Family Pairing
One of the key updates comes in the form of enhanced Family Pairing features, which allow parents to connect their TikTok accounts with their teen’s to manage various safety settings. The latest addition enables parents to schedule “Time Away” periods, restricting their teen’s access to the app at designated times. This could be during school hours, bedtime, or family meals, giving parents greater flexibility in shaping their child’s screen time habits.
Additionally, parents now have increased visibility into their teen’s interactions on the platform. They can monitor their teen’s follower list, see who their teen is following, and review blocked accounts. This feature is designed to encourage more open conversations between parents and teens about online safety and digital boundaries.
Encouraging healthier screen habits
Recognizing the impact of prolonged screen time, TikTok has introduced a default daily screen time limit of 60 minutes for users under 18. While teens can extend their screen time beyond this limit, they must enter a passcode to continue using the app. For younger users under 16, parents have the ability to set stricter limits to ensure their child isn’t spending excessive time on the platform.
To further encourage a more balanced use of the app, TikTok has introduced a “wind down” feature. This initiative is particularly aimed at users under 16 and activates automatically if a teen remains active on the app after 10 PM. Instead of endless scrolling, the feed will display calming music and gentle reminders that it may be time to log off and prepare for sleep.
Expanding educational and positive content
In addition to screen time management, TikTok is expanding its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) feed, which has now reached over 100 countries. This dedicated content stream aims to provide teens with engaging educational material. Parents who previously disabled this feature can re-enable it, ensuring their teen has access to informative and inspiring content.
Improved content moderation and reporting features
TikTok is also working to make content moderation more collaborative by allowing teens to notify a parent or trusted adult when they report content that may violate the platform’s guidelines. This upcoming feature seeks to involve parents more directly in their teen’s digital safety and encourage conversations about online behavior and appropriate content.
Why these updates matter
These changes come in response to increasing global conversations about the effects of social media on young users. Studies have shown that excessive screen time and exposure to unfiltered content can negatively impact mental health, sleep quality, and self-esteem.
By giving parents more control and insights into their teens’ online activity, TikTok aims to bridge the gap between safety and digital independence. These new features are a step forward in ensuring that social media remains a positive space for creativity, learning, and social interaction while minimizing potential risks.
TikTok’s commitment to safety and digital well-being suggests that more updates may be on the horizon. As the platform continues to evolve, the focus remains on balancing entertainment with responsible usage, empowering both teens and parents to navigate the digital world safely and mindfully.