TikTok Parental Controls: See Follower Lists & Block Access

TikTok Enhances Teen Safety with New Features

On Tuesday, TikTok revealed a series of updates designed to bolster the safety of younger users on its platform. These enhancements provide parents with increased control and visibility regarding their teen’s activity.

New Family Pairing Controls

The social media network is introducing expanded Family Pairing features. These allow parents to restrict their teen’s TikTok usage during specified periods and view their teen’s lists of followers and those they are following.

A key component is the “Time Away” feature, which empowers parents to block app access during designated times.

Scheduling and Access Control

Parents can utilize this functionality to limit access during family activities, school hours, nighttime, or even weekend getaways. Recurring schedules can be established for consistent control.

While teens can request additional time, the ultimate decision regarding access remains with the parents.

Increased Transparency for Parents

Furthermore, parents are now able to view their teen’s following and follower lists. They can also see who their teen has blocked on the platform.

TikTok asserts that this increased transparency will aid parents in fostering digital literacy and facilitating ongoing safety discussions with their children.

Reporting and STEM Feed Re-enablement

In the coming months, teens will have the option to notify a parent when reporting content that potentially violates TikTok’s community guidelines, even without utilizing Family Pairing.

Additionally, TikTok is reinstating its STEM feed for teens who previously disabled it.

Encouraging Healthy Digital Habits

A new “wind-down” feature is being implemented to encourage younger users to disconnect from their devices at night. TikTok believes this will contribute to the development of balanced digital habits.

When a user under the age of 16 is on TikTok after 10 p.m., their “For You” feed will present a full-screen display featuring calming music, prompting relaxation and mindful time awareness.

Should a teen dismiss this initial message, a second full-screen prompt will be shown.

Future Enhancements

TikTok plans to pilot the inclusion of meditation exercises within the “wind-down” feature in the weeks ahead.

Responding to Safety Concerns

These new features represent TikTok’s ongoing response to concerns regarding the app’s influence on its youngest demographic. The company, along with other social networks, has been subject to scrutiny from legislators.

Congressional hearings have questioned the potential negative impacts of these platforms on young users. The recently announced features are part of TikTok’s broader strategy to address these concerns and satisfy lawmakers.

The rollout of these updates occurs amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future within the United States. President Donald Trump previously extended the deadline for a potential TikTok ban by 75 days in January.