Parents will now have more control over their teenagers’ use of the social media app, TikTok. This comes after TikTok announced plans to strengthen digital safety by expanding the controls parents can have as well as teen well-being features.
“At TikTok, safety is at the core of everything we do. These new updates are part of our ongoing commitment to empowering families with the tools they need to foster healthy digital habits. By enhancing Family Pairing, strengthening our industry partnerships, and introducing innovative well-being features, we’re ensuring that young users can explore, create and connect in a safe and positive online environment,” said Adam Presser, the Head of Operations & Trust and Safety at TikTok.
The new updated features, which are part of the Family Pairing launched 5 years ago, include time away scheduling whereby parents can now set custom screen-free periods. At this point, teens can ask for extra screen time but parents will have the final say.
Another feature is the expanded family visibility whereby parents can now view who their teens follow, who follow them and can block accounts to “help facilitate discussions about online interactions.” Proactive reporting to parents is another update whereby when a teen reports a video violating any of TikTok’s rules, they can also choose to notify a trusted adult of the same. “This feature is designed to encourage ongoing conversations between teens and their families about their TikTok experience,” added TikTok in their March 19, 2025, statement.
The wind down feature was also included to encourage teens aged 16 and below to log off at night after 10PM. They will see a full-screen remider with calming music and if they fail to log off, a “harder-to-dismiss” prompt will follow.
With these updates, Family Pairing now offers parents more than 15 customisable safety, privacy and well-being features to tailor their teen’s experience on TikTok.
