TikTok has unveiled new parental control features aimed at fostering healthier digital habits and enhancing online safety for teenagers. These updates expand the platform’s Family Pairing tool, offering parents greater oversight while encouraging mindful screen use among younger users.
Adam Presser, TikTok’s Head of Operations and Trust and Safety, emphasized that the platform prioritizes safety, stating, “These new updates are part of our ongoing commitment to empowering families with the tools they need to foster healthy digital habits.”
Since launching Family Pairing five years ago, TikTok has continuously refined its safety features based on expert recommendations and community feedback. The latest updates include time-away scheduling, enabling parents to set screen-free periods during school hours, bedtime, or family time. Another key enhancement is expanded family visibility, which allows parents to see who their teen follows, who follows them, and even block accounts when necessary.
To promote transparency, TikTok has also introduced proactive reporting alerts. When a teen reports content that potentially violates the platform’s rules, they can choose to notify a trusted adult, even if Family Pairing is not enabled. Additionally, a new wind-down feature will encourage teens to log off at night, with full-screen reminders and calming music appearing for users under 16 who remain active after 10 p.m.
Beyond individual safety features, TikTok is committed to broader digital safety education. In Kenya, the #SaferTogether initiative, launched in 2023, has made significant strides in promoting responsible online engagement. Through a partnership with Eveminet Communication Solutions Limited, the initiative has engaged over 390,000 students, 6,504 parents, and 5,307 teachers in digital literacy workshops across the country. In 2025, TikTok aims to expand #SaferTogether to 42 counties in Kenya, further reinforcing its role in digital safety advocacy.
TikTok is also strengthening global initiatives by expanding its Global Youth Council, which now includes 28 members from 15 countries. The platform continues to collaborate with industry leaders on age verification measures, ensuring a safer experience for young users worldwide. With these efforts, TikTok reaffirms its dedication to responsible digital engagement and teen safety.
