How TikTok has empowered teen content creators
In a move to prioritize the safety and well-being of its young users, TikTok has announced two significant updates; the addition of content filtering to Family Pairing and the formation of TikTok’s Youth Council.
These developments aim to empower caregivers and provide a platform for teenagers to voice their experiences and contribute to a safer online environment.
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Family Pairing, introduced last year, already allowed users to filter out videos containing specific words or hashtags.
Responding to feedback from parents and caregivers, TikTok has expanded this feature to allow further customization.
With the new content filtering tool, caregivers can personalize the topics their teenagers may come across, reducing the chances of encountering potentially disturbing content.
By engaging with experts and organizations like the Family Online Safety Institute, TikTok ensured a balanced approach that respects both the individual needs of teenagers and their right to participate in the online world.
The transparency of the keywords added by caregivers fosters discussions about online boundaries and safety, complementing TikTok’s existing Content Levels system that safeguards age-appropriate content.
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In addition to enhancing Family Pairing, TikTok aims to amplify the voices of its teenage users through the establishment of TikTok’s Youth Council.
This global council will provide an avenue for teenagers to share their experiences and contribute to the development of safety measures tailored to their needs.
By actively listening to the perspectives of young users, TikTok aims to create a safer platform and establish a strong partnership with caregivers.
The insights gained from the council will inform decision-making processes, ensuring that safety solutions are effective and aligned with the actual experiences of the TikTok community.
TikTok already involves teenagers in shaping its safety features, such as the collaboration with teens to develop caregiver tips within Family Pairing.
These tips reflect the support teens desire and offer guidance on discussing digital literacy and safety. Similar to the engagement with experts through the Content and Safety Advisory Councils, the new Youth Council will provide a structured and regular opportunity for teenagers to express their views and contribute to the platform’s safety initiatives.
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TikTok plans to provide more details in the coming months, inviting teenagers to actively participate in this forum.
With a commitment to ongoing improvement, TikTok has made significant strides in creating a secure space for teenagers and families.
Default daily screen time limits were set to 60 minutes in March, and most teenagers have chosen to adhere to this limit.
For those who surpass the default, TikTok encourages the use of screen time management tools.
Moreover, the platform has been actively promoting awareness of Family Pairing, reaching over 400 million people with information about its benefits.
Currently, Family Pairing assists over 850,000 teenagers and their families in setting personalized guardrails based on their specific needs.
TikTok remains dedicated to safeguarding and empowering its community, and further updates on progress will be shared in the future as the company continues to evolve its safety measures.
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