TikTok announced new technology today aimed at keeping younger users safer on its platform. The company is rolling out several updated features focused specifically on child protection. These changes come as part of TikTok’s ongoing effort to create a secure environment for teens and children.
(TikTok’s Latest Technology: Advanced Child Safety Features)
One key update involves automatic screen time limits. Users under 18 will find their daily screen time automatically capped at 60 minutes. If a young user hits this limit, they will need to enter a passcode to keep watching videos. This passcode must be set by their parent or guardian. For accounts owned by users under 13, the default daily limit will be even stricter at just 60 minutes. Parents must set a password to allow any extra viewing time beyond that.
The platform is also introducing stricter content settings for teenage accounts. New accounts for users aged 13 to 15 will start with their direct messages turned off automatically. Users aged 16 and 17 will see their direct messages preset to “Only people I follow.” This gives teens more control over who can contact them privately. Furthermore, the feature allowing others to download videos will be disabled by default for all users under 16. Older teens, aged 16 and 17, will have the option to enable downloads if they choose.
(TikTok’s Latest Technology: Advanced Child Safety Features)
TikTok is strengthening its existing Family Pairing tools too. Parents and guardians can now link their TikTok accounts to their teens’ accounts more easily. This connection allows parents to manage important safety settings remotely. They can control screen time limits, restrict content, and manage privacy options directly from their own device. The company emphasized that protecting young people is a top priority. TikTok stated its commitment to developing tools that support safe and positive online experiences for its youngest users.
