We are excited to announce that we have established our Global Youth Council, which aligns with our global research and emphasises the importance of enhanced collaboration between online platforms and younger users.

The Youth Council was created in partnership with Praesidio Safeguarding, a specialist online safety agency, and supported by an array of global experts and local partners such as Kenya's Mtoto News, reflecting TikTok's commitment to inclusivity and community involvement. The Council is comprised of 15 teens aged between 15 and 18 representing a range of communities and countries including the US, UK, Brazil, Indonesia, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, and Morocco. The group first met in December 2023 and recently completed their second meeting, which was attended by TikTok CEO, Shou Chew.

Valiant Richey, Global Head of Outreach and Partnerships said: "TikTok is a platform where families come to create and enjoy memorable moments, and we want to ensure we're empowering families with the tools to do this. Listening to teens and then making meaningful changes based on what they have to say is one of the most important steps we can take to continue building a safe platform."

The Youth Council has set out its priorities for 2024, which include a focus on teen well-being and inclusion to help ensure TikTok continues to be a safe and accessible space for young people to show up as who they are. In February's meeting, the teens also:

  • Provided input into TikTok's Youth Portal, which is currently being redesigned.
  • Requested information about reporting and blocking to better understand what happens after a report is made.

"In a world where digital landscapes form the cornerstone of our children and youth's realities, it's imperative that their voices not only echo in the corridors of development but also shape the very fabric of this digital era. This initiative is a powerful affirmation of TikTok's dedication to amplifying the voices of the young, particularly highlighting our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. It's a bold step forward in rectifying the historical oversight of African children in the digital design process, ensuring they are not just participants but key contributors. Among the council members is a young visionary from a traditionally marginalized area, emblematically underscoring our pledge to bring every child's voice to the forefront of our decision-making. This is not just about representation; it's about revolutionizing how we engage with digital futures through the lens of those who will inherit it.”, states Jennifer Kaberi, CEO of Mtoto News.

This is what our newly appointed Youth Council Members had to say:

Kenyan member, Male, Age: 17

"I'm very honoured and delighted to be part of this wonderful council. It's indeed a dream come true as I've always looked forward to working with teenagers ready to make the online world safer.

I look forward to participating in making the online world safer and better. I also aim to make TikTok an even better platform for teenagers.

Meeting TikTok's CEO, Mr Shou virtually was quite marvellous."

Kenyan member, Female, Age: 15

"I am hoping to make TikTok a better place and a happy place for people who use the app. I have found the meetings fun and interactive."