TikTok Users Get New Tools to Combat Bullying and Online Abuse

TikTok is increasing the tools available to its users to help them quickly deal with online bullying or abuse. It's now possible to delete or report comments in bulk, as well as being able to block multiple accounts at once.

"People put their hearts and souls into creating and entertaining on TikTok, and we recognize how discouraging it can feel to receive unkind comments on videos," Joshua Goodman, director of product for trust and safety, said in a blog announcement. "We hope this update helps creators feel more empowered over their experience on TikTok."

Receiving vicious, threatening, or unwanted comments on your videos? Simply long-press the offending remark or tap the pencil icon in the upper left corner to open a window of options. Users can now save time and energy by selecting up to 100 messages or accounts to delete or report. Rolling out now in select markets and globally over the coming weeks, the feature builds on what Goodman called "ongoing efforts to promote a kind and welcoming community."

Earlier this year, the video-sharing platform introduced the ability to Filter All Comments, empowering users to decide which observations appear on videos. It also began asking people to reconsider posting a note that may be rude or obscene, reminding folks of its Community Guidelines and letting them edit comments before sharing.

As an added measure, TikTok in March announced a new partnership with the Cyberbullying Research Center (CRC) in an attempt to better understand bullying on and off the network, support community members, and develop other initiatives.

"As we develop tools to combat bullying, we also work to educate teens and families about bullying prevention," Goodman said, pointing to the recent launch of a bullying prevention guide. "The more we can stamp out bullying behavior, the more welcoming and fun TikTok will be for everyone."

:story: PC Magazine