TikTok has introduced a range of new safety tools and resources aimed at supporting teenagers and their families in navigating the online world.
The company has partnered with the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) to launch the Digital Safety Partnership for Families, a customizable template agreement designed to help families discuss online safety and set digital boundaries.
This new resource is intended to simplify online safety for caregivers, providing a framework for conversations about responsible device use, app rules, and safety features.
TikTok has also updated its Guardian’s Guide and Teen Safety Center, incorporating feedback from its global Youth Council and parent creators. The refreshed guides feature more visual content, interactive features, and streamlined information on safety tools and controls.
Alanna Powers, Research and Program Specialist at FOSI said “The Digital Safety Partnership for Families is a great resource that will not only help families navigate TikTok, but also many other online platforms. At the Family Online Safety Institute, we appreciate that the agreement emphasizes the idea of online safety as a partnership that should be created and maintained between caregivers and their teens. We hope this resource encourages many families around the world to lead their digital lives with empathy, openness, curiosity, and respect.”
TikTok’s efforts to enhance safety measures for teenagers are a response to feedback from parents, who expressed a desire for training on content filtering and communication from platforms without requiring an account.
The company has identified four key safety features to support teen safety, including Family Pairing, default age-appropriate settings, keyword filtering, and comment privacy settings. A new national and local TV campaign will promote these features, featuring popular TikTok creators who are parents themselves.
TikTok’s commitment to prioritizing teen safety and well-being is a positive step towards creating a safer online environment. By providing resources and tools for families and teenagers, TikTok can help promote healthy online habits and digital literacy. However, ongoing investment and feedback implementation are crucial to ensuring the platform remains a safe space for its community.
