Mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, with 50% of disorders emerging before age 14 and 75% before age 25, according to “Nature”. Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa are particularly at risk, with 14.3% of children facing significant psychological challenges (PLOS). Despite the growing need for support, mental health literacy remains low across the continent, and stigma prevents many from seeking help.
In response to these challenges, TikTok is emphasising its commitment to mental health by investing in initiatives that support its global community. The platform recently partnered with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to combat misinformation and promote reliable content through the Fides network, a group of trusted healthcare professionals and content creators. As a result, important conversations around #MentalHealth, #MentalHealthMatters, #SelfCare, and #MentalHealthAwareness have flourished, with nearly 50 million posts globally on these topics.
Prominent figures in the TikTok community, such as Dr. Siyamak Saleh from South Africa, have also been instrumental in leading mental health discussions in partnership with the WHO, driving awareness and support for those facing psychological challenges.
To further promote mental well-being, TikTok offers nine in-app tools designed to help users manage their mental health while navigating the platform:
- You Are Not Alone
TikTok provides a dedicated support page for users searching for mental health-related content, offering reassurance and access to self-help hotlines based on their region. - Age Limits and Restrictions
Users under 18 have restricted access to certain content, and the platform enforces a minimum age of 13+ to create a safer environment for younger users. - Daily Screen Time Limits & Weekly Updates
TikTok encourages balanced usage by allowing users to set daily screen time limits and receive weekly reports to monitor their digital habits. - Screen Time Dashboard
This feature provides a detailed breakdown of app usage, helping users make informed decisions about their online activity and its impact on mental health. - Screen Time Breaks
Users receive prompts to take breaks after extended periods of app use, reducing digital fatigue and supporting mental well-being. - Prompts for Younger Users
Adolescents who spend over 100 minutes on the app receive reminders to set daily screen time limits, promoting healthier habits. This proactive feature encourages responsible app usage and aims to foster healthier digital habits among teens, a demographic particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges. - Family Pairing
Parents can monitor their teens’ screen time and adjust privacy settings through Family Pairing, ensuring a balanced digital experience for younger users. - Well-Being Guides
TikTok’s Safety Centre offers Well-Being Guides with practical tips on managing app usage and supporting those facing mental health challenges. - Sleep Reminders
To help users maintain healthier sleep habits, TikTok offers a sleep reminder feature. This allows users to set a specific time for the app to mute notifications, reducing night-time distractions and promoting better rest. When you have sleep reminders turned on, TikTok mutes push notifications after your sleep time, reducing distractions. TikTok automatically mutes push notifications for users between the ages of 13 and 17.
By offering these tools, TikTok is fostering a safer digital space that prioritises mental health. As Mental Health Awareness Day approaches, the platform encourages users to adopt healthier habits and use its resources to support themselves and others on their mental health journeys.
Melissa Enoch
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