TikTok Enhances Parental Controls to Boost Teen Safety

TikTok is rolling out new parental control features aimed at safeguarding teen users.

The updates, part of the platform’s Family Pairing tools, allow parents to block access during specific hours, monitor their teen’s follower and following lists, and track blocked accounts.

A key addition is the “Time Away” feature, enabling parents to restrict app usage during designated times such as school hours, bedtime, or family activities. Parents can set recurring schedules and decide whether to grant additional screen time upon request.

TikTok is also reinforcing digital well-being by encouraging teens to step away from their devices at night.

The new “wind-down” mode will display a full-screen message with calming music after 10 p.m. for users under 16, reminding them to log off. Future updates may introduce meditation exercises to further promote healthy digital habits.

Additionally, when teens report potentially harmful content, they will soon have the option to notify a parent, even if Family Pairing is not enabled. The platform is also reactivating its STEM feed for users who had previously turned it off, promoting educational content.

These updates come as TikTok faces heightened scrutiny from lawmakers over child safety concerns and its broader regulatory challenges in the US The company continues to roll out new safety measures to address public and governmental concerns while maintaining its appeal among young users.