App offers tools to manage mental well-being

Mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent worldwide, with approximately 50% of disorders emerging before the age of 14 and 75% developing before age 25 (Nature).

Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa are particularly at risk, with 14.3% of children facing severe psychological difficulties (PLOS).

Mental health literacy is low across the continent, and stigma remains a significant barrier, preventing many from seeking help.

ALSO READ: SADAG launches five new online mental health support groups

Early intervention is vital, yet adolescents and young adults often struggle with mental health issues exacerbated by economic difficulties and limited access to services.

In response, TikTok continues emphasising its commitment to investing in mental health initiatives to support its communities.

Earlier this month, TikTok partnered with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to create reliable content and combat misinformation through the Fides network, a diverse community of trusted healthcare professionals and content creators.

Conversations relating to mental health, self-care and mental health awareness have garnered almost 50m posts on TikTok globally.

Additionally, the TikTok community plays an important role, fostering awareness by sharing authentic stories and encouraging each other to prioritise mental well-being.

A key example is Dr Siyamak Saleh from SA, who has been at the forefront of leading and driving mental health conversations on the continent in partnership with the WHO.

Here are nine in-app solutions designed to help you stay safe on the platform.

ALSO READ: More support for mental health added – SADAG

• You are not alone – TikTok has a support page to help users who feel isolated. This in-app feature recognises searches related to suicide and mental health, offering reassurance by reminding users that they are not alone.

Additionally, it provides contact information for self-help hotlines relevant to a user’s region, encouraging them to seek support.

• Age limits and restrictions – TikTok has an age limit of 13+, and content is restricted for users younger than 18, setting boundaries to content exposure for younger users.

• Daily screen time limits and weekly screen time updates – TikTok offers tools to promote mindful digital habits through its daily screen time limits and weekly screen time updates. Users can set a daily cap on their app usage to maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities. The weekly reports provide insights into overall screen time, helping users track and reflect on their digital habits.

• Screen time dashboard – Understanding your app use can help you make informed decisions about your digital habits. TikTok’s Screen Time Dashboard provides a detailed breakdown of when and how you use the app.

• Screen time breaks – Spending uninterrupted time on any platform can lead to digital fatigue. TikTok’s Screen Time Breaks feature prompts you to take breaks after a set period of continuous use. These gentle nudges can help refresh your mind and reduce the mental strain prolonged screen time can cause.

• Prompts for younger users – For users aged 13 to 17, TikTok offers an additional layer of protection through screen time management. If these users spend over 100 minutes on the app in one day, they will receive a reminder to set a daily screen time limit. Visit the TikTok Teen Safety Centre and Guardians Guide for more information.

• Family pairing – TikTok’s Family Pairing feature allows parents to connect their accounts with their teens’. It lets guardians monitor screen time, adjust privacy settings, and manage app safety features, ensuring a balanced digital experience for younger users.

• Well-being guides on TikTok’s safety centre – TikTok’s Safety Centre offers valuable Well-Being Guides, providing users with practical tips to manage their app use and support someone facing mental health challenges. These resources are available year-round, offering insights promoting a healthier relationship with digital media.

• Sleep reminders – TikTok has a sleep reminder feature to help users maintain healthier sleep habits. 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 begins to lessen distractions. Remember, TikTok automatically mutes push notifications for users aged between 13 and 17.

By encouraging users to adopt healthier habits and offering resources that promote well-being, TikTok is helping to create a safer digital space where mental health is a priority.