TikTok has introduced a series of new parental controls designed to give caregivers greater oversight of teenagers’ accounts, amid mounting pressure on tech platforms to address child safety and mental health concerns.
The video-sharing app, which is used by more than 60% of teenagers globally, has expanded its “Family Pairing” features to include upload notifications, account blocking, and insight into the types of content a young person is engaging with.
The changes form part of broader efforts by TikTok to respond to regulatory scrutiny and concerns from mental health experts, many of whom have raised questions about the platform’s impact on children and adolescents.
What’s Changing
The updates allow parents to receive notifications whenever a teen posts content—such as a video, photo, or story—and to see whether the account’s settings enable potentially risky features like downloads or Duets.
Parents will also now be able to:
- View the topics their teen has selected as content preferences.
- Block specific accounts from interacting with their child.
- Encourage the use of new “well-being missions,” short digital tasks designed to teach healthy social media habits.
Notably, the blocking feature gives parents the ability to prevent certain users from contacting or engaging with their child’s content. While the teen can request to reverse the block, the final decision lies with the parent.
A Step Forward, But Not a Solution
TikTok’s new measures are being cautiously welcomed by some digital parenting advocates, who say they mark a useful step forward in improving transparency between teens and their caregivers. However, many note that these tools will only be effective if parents are aware of them—and if they use them alongside open communication with their children.
“There’s a real danger in assuming that parental controls will fix the bigger problem,” says Prof. Sonia Livingstone, an expert in digital childhood at the London School of Economics. “They help, yes—but they’re not a substitute for trust, conversations, or education.”
The tools also rely on both the parent and teen agreeing to link accounts through Family Pairing. Without that, the features remain inaccessible.
Broader Context
The changes come as social media companies face increased scrutiny over their responsibility to protect young users. In the UK, the Online Safety Act, now in force, sets out specific requirements for platforms to assess risks and apply age-appropriate design principles. In the US, several states are pursuing legislation to require parental consent for under-18s to use social apps.
TikTok, owned by Chinese tech firm ByteDance, has faced criticism over data privacy practices, content moderation failures, and the addictive nature of its algorithm.
A 2024 report by the US Surgeon General linked excessive social media use to increased rates of anxiety and depression among teens, prompting further calls for reform.
Digital Parenting Still a Challenge
For many parents, these tools are part of an increasingly complex digital parenting landscape. From device-level restrictions to app-specific settings, the options are expanding—but so too are the challenges.
“There’s a difference between having controls and knowing how to use them effectively,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Linda Papadopoulos. “And even when used correctly, they don’t replace the need for parents to stay engaged in their child’s digital life.”
Some parents may welcome features like upload notifications or blocking capabilities as a means to intervene earlier when something seems off. Others may worry about appearing intrusive or triggering conflicts with their children.
Experts recommend approaching the tools as part of a wider dialogue, encouraging teens to reflect on their own online habits and involving them in discussions about boundaries and digital wellbeing.
Outlook
TikTok is not the only platform adding controls. Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat have all expanded their parental toolkits in recent years. However, uptake remains inconsistent, and many parents report feeling overwhelmed by the pace of change in online environments.
TikTok says the new tools are part of its “ongoing commitment to teen safety” and plans further developments in coming months.
While the controls are unlikely to resolve all concerns around teen screen use, they may offer parents a stronger starting point for engaging with their children’s digital lives—provided they’re used alongside education, conversation, and trust.
