TikTok is implementing new restrictions to block teenagers from using beauty filters amid growing concerns over the negative impact on mental health. The changes, which are set to take effect in the coming weeks, will prevent users under 18 from using filters that alter their facial features in unrealistic ways. Filters that enlarge eyes, plump lips, or smooth skin will no longer be accessible to this age group. However, filters that add playful elements like bunny ears or dog noses will remain available.
TikTok to Remove Beauty Filters for Teenagers Due to Mental Health Concerns, the company stated during a safety forum at its European headquarters in Dublin. This move is part of a wider effort to reduce the pressure on teenagers—especially girls—to present a polished, often unattainable, image of themselves online. Many young users have reported feeling dissatisfied with their real appearance after using these filters, which have been linked to increased anxiety and lower self-esteem.
The effectiveness of these new restrictions will depend heavily on users adhering to the platform’s age guidelines, but there are concerns that many young people may still use TikTok under false pretenses. Despite age restrictions in place, a significant number of users under the age of 13 have been found on the platform. To address this, TikTok is introducing new automated systems using machine learning to detect and remove accounts that violate age restrictions. TikTok to Remove Beauty Filters for Teenagers Due to Mental Health Concerns as part of a broader initiative to improve safety and age verification systems.
These changes come in the wake of the upcoming Online Safety Act in the UK, which aims to better regulate social media use among underage users. As part of these efforts, TikTok is also tightening its measures to block accounts that falsely claim users are over 13. The platform already removes about 20 million underage accounts every quarter globally. Chloe Setter, TikTok’s lead on child safety public policy, said that these new measures would help improve age verification and protect younger users. While the new systems are designed to be more effective, users who are wrongly blocked will be able to appeal the decision. TikTok to Remove Beauty Filters for Teenagers Due to Mental Health Concerns in order to create a safer space for the platform’s younger users.
This push to enforce age restrictions and limit the use of harmful filters is part of a wider trend across social media platforms in response to mounting pressure for stronger online safety regulations. Platforms like Instagram and Roblox are also implementing new measures to protect young users, especially those under 18. However, advocates like Andy Burrows, CEO of the Molly Rose Foundation, argue that while these moves are positive, they should be part of a more comprehensive strategy to address online harms and ensure that platforms are transparent about their efforts to protect children. Richard Collard from the NSPCC also called for other social media companies to adopt similar measures and for regulators to ensure that tech companies deliver age-appropriate experiences for their users.
