TikTok has launched a feature specifically for parents and guardians to use that can restrict what their children see on the video sharing platform. It sits alongside the app's family pairing functionality, which enables adults to connect with their teenager's account, granting them control over settings such as screen time limits.
TikTokers could already use content filters for themselves, allowing them to avoid videos associated with specific words or hashtags. But this new feature now allows parents to take control.
Julie de Bailliencourt, global head of product policy, told Sky News: "We wanted to make sure we had the right balance of pragmatism and transparency to enable families to choose the best experience for their own family because every family is different. We also wanted to make sure we respect young people's right to participate.
"So by default, teens can view the keywords their parent or caregiver has added." However, the filters and blocked content will not be applied without the child's consent.
To use family pairing, which includes adding filters and setting screen time limits, follow these steps:
- In the TikTok app, tap Profile at the bottom.
- Tap the Menu button at the top.
- Tap Settings and privacy, then tap Family Pairing.
- Tap Parent or Teen.
- Follow the steps in the app to link accounts.
Teens will be asked if they want to opt into the function and will alerted to their parents' selected filters first. It comes after reports teens are being shown inappropriate content on the app, including self-harm and eating disorder clips, which are frequently shared using "coded" hashtags with phrases slightly altered to bypass moderators.
As well as the family pairing function, TikTok announced that it will form a global Youth Council later this year. The app says it aims to "listen to the experiences of those who directly use our platform" and "be better positioned to make changes to create the safest possible experience for our community."
In the UK, social media platforms are under increased scrutiny as the finishing touches of the long awaited Online Safety Bill are being confirmed. According to Sky News, a late amendment to the proposed legislation last week could see coroners and bereaved parents granted access to data on the phones of deceased children.
The bill aims to make the country "the safest place in the world to be online", but has been hit by multiple delays and criticisms for its potential to limit a free and fair press. It has also been argued to contain insufficient safeguards for freedom of expression.
