SYDNEY — TikTok has announced a donation of $577,000 AUD (USD $375,000) to leading mental health organizations in Australia and New Zealand as part of a broader global commitment to online safety and mental wellness. The funding is part of the platform’s $2.3 million USD global mental health initiative and comes as TikTok rolls out new features designed to give users greater control over the content they see on their For You Page (FYP).
New Tools for a Safer, More Personalized Experience
The social media platform is expanding its suite of safety and personalization tools with two new features: Manage Topics and enhanced Smart Keyword Filters.
Manage Topics allows users to adjust the frequency of specific content categories on their feed, rather than eliminating them entirely. This tool gives users the ability to fine-tune their TikTok experience based on evolving interests, complementing existing controls like liking, sharing, and video watch time.
In addition, TikTok is upgrading its Smart Keyword Filters. The revamped feature enables users to block up to 200 keywords from appearing on their feed. Powered by artificial intelligence, the tool can now detect synonyms, slang, and related terms, reducing exposure to unwanted content even further. According to the company, the global community has used keyword filters to block more than 200 million terms to date.
Supporting Mental Health with In-App Tools
“We want TikTok to be a space where people can safely explore interests and discover communities,” said Adam Presser, TikTok’s Head of Operations and Trust & Safety. “With these new tools, users can shape their For You Page with more precision and skip topics or hashtags they wish to avoid—making it easier to focus on content that brings joy, insight, or community.”
The new features will be available to both adult and teen users and build on TikTok’s existing suite of wellbeing tools, including:
Not Interested: Users can long-press a video and select ‘Not Interested’ to reduce similar content.
Refresh Your Feed: An option to reset the FYP entirely for a fresh start.
Family Pairing: Allows parents to manage screen time, content exposure, and app usage for teens.
Helping Users Unplug at Night
In a move to promote healthier nighttime habits, TikTok has introduced a guided meditation feature aimed at improving sleep quality. Activated by default for users under 18, the feature begins at 10 p.m. and interrupts scrolling with a mindfulness exercise. If teens dismiss the first reminder, a second, full-screen prompt appears to encourage winding down. Adults can opt into the feature via settings.
Internal testing revealed that 98% of teens kept the meditation experience active, suggesting a strong receptiveness to tools that encourage balance and well-being. Parents can also use the Family Pairing tool to block access to TikTok during nighttime hours.
Backing Trusted Mental Health Voices
With 73% of young Australians turning to social media for mental health support, according to ReachOut Australia, TikTok’s donations are directed at bolstering credible digital mental health education and outreach.
Six prominent mental health organizations in Australia and New Zealand will each receive $75,000 USD ($115,000 AUD) in advertising credits through the 2025 Mental Health Media Education Fund, along with training support from TikTok. These include:
ReachOut Australia – Offering free, anonymous digital support to youth and caregivers.
The Man Cave – Promoting emotional literacy and positive masculinity in young men.
Australians for Mental Health – Advocating for mental health as a national priority.
PROJECT ROCKIT – Fighting bullying and prejudice through youth-led action.
#chatsafe (Orygen) – Teaching young people safe online communication around suicide and self-harm.
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand – Advancing mental well-being and equity across society.
The initiative aims to strengthen the presence of trustworthy voices on TikTok and encourage open, supportive conversations about mental health.
