TikTok Tackles Teen Safety with New Family Features
Social app TikTok has added advanced and new features to its “Family Pairing” tool to ensure the digital safety and healthy online habits of young users in Bangladesh. The latest updates include the “Time Away Scheduling” and “Proactive Reporting Alert” features.
The Time Away Scheduling feature allows parents to set screen-free time for their children, such as during school hours, bedtime, or holidays. While teenagers can request extra screen time, the final decision rests with the parents. An important update to this feature is that parents can now view their children's network activity, including who follows them, whom they follow, and the accounts they have blocked. This feature aims to encourage open family discussions on online relationships and help parents foster their children's digital literacy skills.
The upcoming “Proactive Reporting Alert” feature will notify parents or trusted adults whenever a teenager reports a video, even if they are not using the Family Pairing tool. Additionally, TikTok is launching a new feature called “Wind-Down,” designed for users under 16. If a teenager remains active on TikTok after 10 PM, a calming video reminder will play on the full screen, helping them relax and stay mindful of the time. If usage continues, a stronger reminder will be shown. Initial data shows that most teenagers keep this feature activated, indicating its positive impact on screen time management. There are plans to integrate guided meditation in the future to help improve sleep quality.
TikTok officials have stated, “TikTok always prioritizes safety. With these new updates to Family Pairing, we are providing families with the tools they need to help foster healthy habits for teenagers in the digital world. TikTok is committed to ensuring a safe and positive online environment.”
TikTok Bangladesh has also announced that, as part of its efforts to increase digital safety, TikTok is collaborating with Telefonica on mobile-based age verification technology. This technology will ensure security through mobile operators. Additionally, TikTok is participating in the “Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Age Assurance” alongside various international organizations, such as the Center for Information Policy Leadership and We Protect Global Alliance. In 2025, TikTok plans to expand its Global Youth Council, which was launched in 2023 to play a crucial role in shaping policies related to safety, well-being, and inclusion. This expansion reaffirms TikTok's commitment to aligning its platform with the experiences and expectations of young people.
