Connect with us

    Hi, what are you looking for?

    Tech

    TikTok Launches New Safety Tools and Mental Health Fund Expansion for Africa

    TikTok has announced the expansion of its global mental health fund to Sub-Saharan Africa and introduced new digital safety tools aimed at improving well-being on the platform.

    The announcement was made at the inaugural Digital Well-being Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, with participants including government officials, mental health experts, NGOs and industry leaders from several African countries.

    As part of the initiative, three organisations—South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), and Kenya’s Mental360—were named as the first African beneficiaries of the platform’s $2.3 million Mental Health Education Fund.

    TikTok also introduced an in-app guided meditation feature called “Sleep Hours,” rolled out globally to support better nighttime routines for users. The tool is automatically enabled for users under 18 from 10 p.m., with optional use for older users.

    According to the company, the move is part of its broader efforts to support mental health, reduce stigma, and increase access to reliable support services on its platform.

    The platform is also expanding access to local in-app mental health helplines across Africa, following successful pilots in Europe. The helplines will offer expert support on issues such as self-harm, harassment, and suicidal ideation.

    Additionally, TikTok unveiled its first set of Mental Health Ambassadors in Africa under its collaboration with the World Health Organization. The ambassadors include medical professionals from South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.

    Valiant Richey, TikTok’s Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach, said the company remained committed to creating a safe and supportive space for users across all regions.

    The summit featured discussions on online safety, digital literacy, and access to professional mental health resources, with support from local partners such as Spectra.

    Spread the love
    Click to comment

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ad

    You May Also Like

    News

    The United States has reversed its visa restrictions on Ghana after the West African country agreed to accept west Africans deported by the United...

    E-Financial

    Shareholders of Unity Bank Plc have approved the proposed merger with Providus Bank Limited, marking a major milestone in the business combination of the...

    Oil and Gas

    The industrial dispute between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria took a dramatic turn on...

    News

    Federal Government has described as false, baseless, despicable and divisive reports claiming that terrorists operating in Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide against...