TikTok adds new mental health resources to support users
TikTok has announced new resources to provide support to users who may be experiencing mental health issues, specifically related to eating disorders, self-harm or suicide.
“While we don’t allow content that promotes, glorifies or normalizes suicide, self-harm or eating disorders, 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,” TikTok says in an announcement.
To help its community do this safely, TikTok has rolled out new well-being guides to support people who choose to share their personal experiences on the platform, developed with the guidance of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, Crisis Text Line, Live For Tomorrow, Samaritans of Singapore and Samaritans (UK).
In addition, the platform is featuring curated content from its partner organizations to learn about and explore important well-being issues. This in-app programming is currently live, having started September 10 and running through September 16.
Earlier this year, TikTok rolled out new features to support users who may be living with or recovering from an eating disorder. When a user searches for terms related to eating disorders, the platform provides them with suggested tools and directs them to appropriate resources. They’ve also introduced permanent public service announcements (PSAs) on certain hashtags, such as #whatIeatinaday, to increase awareness and provide support for our community.
Now TikTok is expanding these resources with a new Safety Center guide on eating disorders for teens, caregivers, and educators. Developed in consultation with independent experts including the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), National Eating Disorder Information Centre, Butterfly Foundation, and Bodywhys, this guide will provide information, support and advice on eating disorders.
As part of these changes, TikTok is also expanding its in-search prompts when users enter eating disorder related queries, which will help to guide them towards professional support tools and resources.
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