TikTok Introduces New Safety Tools to Promote Healthy Digital Habits Among Teens

TikTok has introduced new safety features aimed at helping families promote responsible and healthy digital habits among teenagers.

The company said its Family Pairing feature allows parents to manage their teen’s TikTok experience by setting daily screen-time limits, scheduling breaks, and controlling who can message, comment, or download videos. Parents can also adjust privacy settings and monitor account discoverability, reads a statement issued by TikTok.

According to the statement, direct messaging remains disabled by default for users aged 16 or younger, while push notifications are muted during nighttime hours. For users under 18, TikTok automatically applies a 60-minute daily screen-time limit and filters out content deemed inappropriate for their age group.

Parents can now view their teen’s privacy settings and receive notifications when public videos are uploaded, the statement further says. TikTok said these tools are designed not just for parental control but also to encourage family discussions about responsible online behaviour and screen-time management.

Earlier this year, TikTok also introduced an in-app Guided Meditation feature integrated with its Sleep Hours setting. The feature promotes mindfulness and better sleep by replacing the content feed with calming exercises after 10 pm for users under 18, while adults can activate it manually.

According to TikTok, the new updates complement its broader safety infrastructure, which includes over 50 built-in safeguards such as age-based content filters, restricted messaging options, and digital well-being resources through its Digital Safety Partnership for Families.

TikTok said it remains committed to supporting both teens and adults in developing positive, self-aware, and secure online experiences.