TikTok is taking a significant step to protect teenage users’ mental health by implementing new restrictions on beauty filters. The social media platform will soon block users under 18 from accessing filters that artificially alter their appearance.
According to The Irish Examiner, these restrictions will prevent teenagers from using filters that enlarge eyes, plump lips, and smooth or change skin tone. The move comes amid growing concerns about the negative impact of digital image manipulation on young people’s mental well-being.
Experts have long argued that such filters contribute to unrealistic beauty standards, potentially increasing anxiety and lowering self-esteem among teenagers. By removing these digital alteration tools, TikTok aims to promote a more authentic and healthy online environment for its younger users.
The changes are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks, marking a significant intervention in social media’s approach to digital image editing. While the full details of implementation are not yet clear, the move signals a growing awareness of the psychological impact of digital beauty standards on young users.