TikTok detailed a new effort to provide resources for those struggling with mental health or body image issues on Tuesday, an initiative that was announced as rival platform Instagram faces scrutiny over its potentially negative impact on teenage users.
The video-sharing platform said it would debut wellbeing guides created in collaboration with support groups such as the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the Crisis Text Line.
The
guides will support those in need and provide tips for people who want to
"responsibly engage with someone who may be struggling or in
distress," according to TikTok.
The changes come as Facebook’s research into
its photo-sharing app Instagram, which last year launched TikTok competitor
Reels, has reportedly raised concerns about Instagram’s impact on the mental
health of teens.
“While we don’t allow content that promotes,
glorifies or normalizes suicide, self-harm or eating disorders,” TikTok said in
a blog post.
“We do support people who choose to share
their experiences to raise awareness, help others who might be struggling and
find support among our community.”
To more safely support these conversations and
connections, TikTok is rolling out new well-being guides to help people sharing
their personal experiences on the video app.
The guides were developed along with the
International Association for Suicide Prevention, Crisis Text Line, Live for
Tomorrow, Samaritans of Singapore and Samaritans (UK), and they’re available on
TikTok’s Safety Center.
The social video app is also sharing a new
Safety Center guide for teens, educators and caregivers about eating disorders.
The guide was developed along with experts
like the National Eating Disorders Association, National Eating Disorder
Information Centre, Butterfly Foundation and Bodywhys, and offers information,
support and advice. Earlier this year, TikTok added a feature that directs
users searching for terms related to eating disorders to appropriate resources.
In addition, when someone searches for words
or phrases like #suicide, they’re pointed to local support resources like the
Crisis Text Line helpline to find information on treatment options and support.
TikTok also said it’s updating its warning
label for sensitive content, so that when a user searches for terms that could
surface distressing content, such as “scary makeup,” the search results page
will show an opt-in viewing screen. Users can tap “Show results” to view the
content.
The site is also showcasing content from
creators sharing their personal experiences with mental well-being, information
on where to get help and advice on how to talk to loved ones.
“These videos will appear in search results
for certain terms related to suicide or self-harm, with our community able to
opt-in to view should they wish to,” TikTok said.
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