TikTok role in mental health advocacy: how the platform supports digital wellbeing

TikTok role in mental health advocacy: how the platform supports digital wellbeing

As digital platforms become an increasingly central part of daily life, concerns about its impact on mental well-being have come to the forefront. Digital platforms are powerful tools for connection and information, but they also come with risks, particularly regarding screen time, exposure to potentially harmful content, and the mental health effects of constant connectivity. This has led to growing calls for platforms like TikTok to be not just entertaining, but also responsible stewards of digital well-being, especially these year on Mental Health Day.
Research suggests that high levels of social media usage can sometimes correlate with increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy, particularly among younger users. Given that an estimated one in four young adults look to platforms like TikTok for health-related information, the role of social media in shaping public perceptions of mental health cannot be overstated. This responsibility has spurred TikTok to take proactive steps towards ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for its users.
TikTok has embedded several digital well-being features designed to empower users to manage their time and engagement on the app. Central to these efforts is TikTok Safety Centre, which hosts a well-being guide developed with experts to provide users with tips on maintaining a healthy relationship with digital content.
For users under 18, TikTok enforces a daily screen time limit set to 60 minutes by default, although this can be adjusted by parents. The feature reflects TikTok effort to help younger users balance their time online and build healthy digital habits from an early age. Adult users can also set screen time limits based on their preferences, encouraging mindful interaction with the platform.
The screen time dashboard offers users a detailed look into their app usage, displaying data on their daily screen time and the times they are most active. This tool promotes self-awareness and encourages intentional usage, empowering users to make informed decisions about their digital habits. TikTok also features screen time breaks, allowing users to set custom intervals to remind themselves to pause after a certain amount of uninterrupted usage. These reminders support users in taking breaks that can mitigate digital fatigue, fostering a more balanced experience on the platform.
To further support age-appropriate content access, TikTok offers a restricted mode that filters content based on suitability. Through Family Pairing, parents can link their accounts with their teenagers, allowing them to manage screen time, content restrictions, and privacy settings directly. This ensures that parents can stay involved in their teen online experiences and encourage safe digital engagement.
Recognizing the prevalence of misinformation on social media, TikTok has also recently partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to address this challenge. This collaboration leverages the Fides network, a community of trusted healthcare professionals and content creators, to share accurate health-related information on the platform. This partnership aims to increase health literacy and ensure users access reliable mental health resources, helping them make informed decisions about their well-being.
In 2023, TikTok also joined forces with the Rare Impact Fund, an initiative founded by Selena Gomez, contributing $250,000 to support the Fund mission to expand access to mental health services. This partnership was part of TikTok broader #MentalHealthAwareness: Better Together campaign, which invited users to share their mental health journeys and connect with resources dedicated to well-being.
Last year, in Bangladesh, TikTok worked with well-known local figures like Jubaer, Nanjiba, and Saif Sarwar, as well as prominent organizations such as BRAC and UNICEF South Asia. These collaborations have been featured on TikTok wellness hub page, which showcases videos and playlists from mental health experts. This localised approach underscores TikTok commitment to addressing mental health awareness and support in culturally relevant ways.
TikTok efforts to foster mental well-being demonstrate the platform potential as a public health advocate. With digital well-being tools, partnerships with credible organizations, and a focus on both global and local mental health initiatives, TikTok is positioning itself as a supportive and reliable source for health-related information This multifaceted approach not only helps users manage their online experience but also promotes a healthier, more informed, and more supportive digital community.