TikTok is rolling out an enhanced suite of parental monitoring tools, further strengthening its Family Pairing feature to provide guardians with more control over their teens’ social media usage. These updates introduce new capabilities, including deeper insights into followers and improved screen time management, aimed at fostering a safer digital environment for young users.
With the latest update, parents and guardians can now see their teen’s followers, the accounts they follow, and even those they have blocked. Additionally, a forthcoming feature will enable teens to notify their parents or caregivers when they report a video, reinforcing transparency in online interactions.
A key enhancement in TikTok’s parental controls is the Time Away feature, which allows guardians to set specific hours when the app cannot be accessed. Parents can also opt for scheduled app usage and approve or deny requests for extended screen time. If a teen attempts to open the app outside the designated time, a pop-up will alert them, preventing access without approval.
Further promoting digital well-being, TikTok will implement Wind Down reminders for users under 18 who remain active on the app after 10 p.m. This initiative aligns with the platform’s broader efforts to encourage mindfulness and responsible usage among younger audiences.
Stephen Balkam, CEO and Founder of the Family Online Safety Institute, praised the update, stating, “TikTok’s latest iteration of its parental controls and online safety tools is a welcome development for families looking to both protect their children from harm and empower them as responsible digital citizens. Most importantly, these tools give parents greater support in fostering open, ongoing conversations about their children’s technology use.”
Compared to competitors like Meta, TikTok has taken a more gradual approach to implementing parental monitoring features. However, with previous rollouts of screen time limits, direct messaging restrictions, and content filters, the platform continues to evolve its safety measures in response to growing concerns over social media’s impact on teen mental health.
By expanding parental controls and reinforcing digital well-being initiatives, TikTok underscores its commitment to creating a more secure online space for younger users while maintaining a balance between safety and independence.
