How TikTok Is Making Digital Space Safer for African Teens

TikTok (www.TikTok.com) today hosted its inaugural Digital Well-being Summit in Johannesburg, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders including policymakers, mental health experts, non-governmental organisations, and industry leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa. Delegates representing countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe convened to collaboratively strengthen efforts aimed at supporting and protecting community well-being on the platform. The summit served as a crucial platform for open dialogue focused on Making Digital Space Safer for African Teens, enhancing online safety tools, promoting digital literacy, facilitating access to expert resources, and fostering a balanced online environment.

During the summit, TikTok announced a comprehensive suite of new tools and partnerships designed to bolster digital well-being initiatives in the region. Key announcements included the expansion of TikTok’s global $2.3 million mental health fund to Sub-Saharan Africa, the introduction of expanded local in-app helplines, and the launch of an industry-first meditation feature for all TikTok users. The event also highlighted ongoing initiatives, such as TikTok’s #MentalHealthMatters campaign, which continues to promote positive mental health practices globally. These combined actions are strategically designed to support balanced digital habits and provide communities with access to reliable information and support.

“We commend the private sector’s efforts to foster digital literacy and create a safer online environment for all. Such efforts reflect the government and the private sector’s collective responsibility to inspire creativity, empower communities and connect young people to the digital world,” stated Hon. Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, South Africa.

Introducing In-App Meditation to the Community

As part of its commitment to empowering users to manage their online experience, TikTok has introduced a guided meditation feature integrated within the “Sleep Hours” functionality. This in-app well-being experience is automatically enabled at 22:00 for all users under the age of 18, while users above this age have the option to activate it. This feature, representing an industry first, was piloted in March 2025 and is now available worldwide. Research indicates that mindful meditation can contribute to improved sleep quality, assisting young users in winding down and establishing healthier night-time routines. The introduction of this tool underscores TikTok’s mission to support digital well-being by promoting better sleep hygiene and emotional regulation, particularly for teens and adolescents navigating the complexities of a hyper-connected world.

Valiant Richey, TikTok Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships, commented, “People come to TikTok to learn, share their experiences, and connect with communities around the world. That’s why we’re proud to introduce tools that not only support digital wellbeing, but also empower our community, especially young users, with a safe, supportive space to explore and navigate complex emotions.”

TikTok’s Mental Health Education Fund Expands to Support African Organisations

A significant announcement at the summit was the expansion of TikTok’s $2.3 million global Mental Health Education Fund to include organisations from Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time. This marks a key milestone in the platform’s commitment to supporting mental health education initiatives across the continent. With this expansion, three Sub-Saharan African organisations have been selected as inaugural regional recipients: the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, and Kenya’s Mental360. These organisations will receive essential funding and platform support to develop locally relevant, evidence-based content aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open dialogue around mental health within African communities.

Established in 2023, the Mental Health Education Fund supports organisations in creating authoritative, engaging, and uplifting mental health content. Globally, the Fund has demonstrably impacted reach, helping participating organisations achieve over 173 million impressions on their content, gain more than 600,000 new followers, prompt over 200,000 web visits, and recruit 486 new volunteers, supported by a combined $7.3 million in ad credit donations.

Expansion of In-App Mental Health Helplines Across Africa

Building on successful implementations in Europe, TikTok is expanding its in-app helpline resources across Africa. In the coming weeks, users in several African countries will gain access to local helplines directly within the app, providing expert support when reporting content related to suicide, self-harm, hate, and harassment. This feature enhances existing capabilities that direct users to mental health resources when reporting issues like bullying and harassment, further solidifying access to timely and relevant support on the platform. These partner organisations are equipped to offer a range of assistance, including counselling, advice, free psychological support, and other vital services. While TikTok reviews reported content and removes violations of Community Guidelines, users can connect with these partner organisations for personal support as needed.

TikTok Announces Mental Health Ambassadors to Support Online Wellbeing in Africa

In continuation of its ongoing partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), TikTok officially introduced its new Mental Health Ambassadors. This group comprises diverse, verified healthcare professionals from the WHO Fides Network, dedicated to supporting online well-being in Africa. The inaugural cohort of Mental Health Ambassadors includes:

• Sanam Naran: (South Africa)
• Dr Claire Kinuthia (Kenya)
• Doctor Wales (Nigeria)
• Doctor Siya (South Africa)

Commitment to Digital Safety and Innovation

The Digital Well-Being Summit underscores TikTok’s broader strategic approach to proactively addressing digital harms through innovation, collaboration, and empathy. By integrating advanced safety technology, fostering expert partnerships, and engaging actively with communities, TikTok continues its leadership in cultivating responsible and empowering online environments for its users across Africa.

Yusuf Akoojee, Marketing Director at Spectra, commented, “At Spectra, we are excited to be partnering with TikTok and believe technology should enhance human wellbeing and ensure safety at every touchpoint. Our partnership with TikTok for the Summit reflects our shared vision of creating digital environments that are not only innovative, but also secure and supportive. Together, we’re advancing solutions that prioritise both mental health and online safety for communities everywhere.”