TikTok expands family pairing features in Bangladesh to enhance parental control and teen digital well-being

TikTok has announced the launch of enhanced features to its Family Pairing tool in the Bangladesh region, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to digital safety and well-being for young users. These updates introduce new levels of transparency and oversight for parents while helping teens build healthier digital habits.

Among the new capabilities is Time Away Scheduling, which allows parents to set personalised screen-free periods—such as during school hours, bedtime, or weekends—tailored to each family's routine. While teens can request additional screen time, final approval remains with the parent. In another important development, parents can now view their teen's network, including who they follow, who follows them, and which accounts they have blocked. This visibility encourages open dialogue around online relationships and supports families in navigating the digital landscape together, reads a press release.

TikTok is also preparing to roll out a proactive reporting alert feature. Soon, when a teen reports content that may violate TikTok's Community Guidelines, they will have the option to notify a trusted adult. Notably, this feature will be available even if Family Pairing has not been activated, broadening the platform's protective reach.

In addition to these oversight tools, TikTok is introducing Wind-Down, a new well-being feature aimed at teens under 16. If a teen remains active on TikTok after 10 PM, their feed will be interrupted with a full-screen reminder accompanied by calming music to encourage logging off. If usage continues, a more persistent follow-up prompt is displayed. Early trials show that the majority of teens voluntarily keep the reminders enabled, a sign of the feature's potential to positively influence screen-time behaviors. In the coming weeks, TikTok will begin testing the inclusion of guided meditation exercises within Wind-Down, based on research that links mindfulness practices with improved sleep quality.

"At TikTok, safety is at the core of everything we do. These new updates are part of our ongoing commitment to empowering families with the tools they need to foster healthy digital habits. By enhancing Family Pairing, strengthening our industry partnerships, and introducing innovative well-being features, we're ensuring that young users can explore, create, and connect in a safe and positive online environment," said a TikTok spokesperson.

As part of its wider efforts to advance digital safety, TikTok continues to collaborate with global leaders on age assurance initiatives. In partnership with Telefónica, TikTok is exploring mobile-based age verification, adding a further layer of protection through telecom-supported authentication. The platform is also an active contributor to the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Age Assurance, working alongside organizations such as the Centre for Information Policy Leadership and the WeProtect Global Alliance to shape best practices across the industry.

In recognition of the importance of youth voices, TikTok is expanding its Global Youth Council in 2025. Launched in 2023, the council has been instrumental in shaping platform policies on safety, well-being, and inclusion. The expansion underscores TikTok's commitment to ensuring that the platform continues to evolve in alignment with the lived experiences and expectations of young users worldwide.