TikTok recently held its Family Academy initiative in the UAE, bringing together parents, creators, educators, and digital safety experts to discuss strategies for supporting healthier online experiences among young users. The event aimed to help families better understand digital wellbeing while exploring the platform’s latest safety tools designed to encourage responsible and balanced use.
During the event, a panel discussion titled “Empowering Families to Navigate the Online World Together” addressed challenges faced by families in the digital age, including digital fatigue in teenagers, mindful screen habits, and creating positive online experiences. The panel featured Ilunga Mpyana, TikTok’s Head of Public Policy Programs for the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Pakistan, and South Asia; educator and TikTok Changemaker Dr. Jana Bou Reslan; and parenting content creator Remie Salloum as moderator.
TikTok showcased several new safety feature enhancements, many building upon its existing Family Pairing system introduced five years ago. Among these features is Time Away, allowing parents to decide when their teens should take breaks from the app, such as during meals or study periods. Teens can request extra time, but parents retain final control. Privacy Controls have also been expanded, giving parents the ability to see who their teen follows, who follows them, and which accounts they’ve blocked, while also managing who can view their content or send direct messages.
The new Wind Down Mode targets late-night usage by teens under 18. After 10 PM, users receive a full-screen reminder accompanied by calming music to encourage them to step away, with a second, harder-to-dismiss reminder if they continue scrolling. Screen Time Management has also been updated to allow parents to set personalized usage limits throughout the day.
Ilunga Mpyana explained that these tools are part of TikTok’s commitment to helping families maintain control and support healthier digital boundaries. He noted that the platform has introduced over 15 new safety features this year alone, with its Community Guidelines continuously evolving to address emerging risks.
Dr. Jana Bou Reslan emphasized the importance of understanding the psychological impact of digital usage, stating that while teens will inevitably engage online, families and educators must focus on equipping them with the knowledge and support to navigate these spaces responsibly. Content creator Remie Salloum shared her perspective as both a parent and creator, highlighting how intentional content creation and safety features can support inclusive and positive digital environments.
TikTok also used the event to spotlight its STEM Feed, which offers educational content in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to users in over 100 countries. The platform views such initiatives as part of a broader effort to create a more enriching and educational online space.
Overall, the Family Academy event underscored the need for collaboration between platforms, parents, and communities to ensure safer digital experiences. While TikTok continues to expand its safety features, its approach remains centred on providing practical tools and education to help families foster creativity and connection within a supportive digital environment.
