TikTok Expands Mental Health Support In Sub-Saharan Africa At Landmark Digital Well-being Summit

The summit provided a platform for open dialogue on enhancing online safety tools, promoting digital literacy and access to experts, fostering a balanced online environment, says TikTok.

A comprehensive suite of new tools and partnerships were introduced, including the expansion of TikTok's global USD$2.3-million mental health fund to Sub-Saharan Africa, expanded local in-app helplines, and an industry-first meditation feature for all TikTok users, says the platform. 

The event also spotlighted ongoing efforts such as TikTok's '#MentalHealthMatters' campaign, which continues to promote positive mental health practices across the globe. Together, these actions are designed to support balanced digital habits, providing communities with access to reliable information, adds the platform. 

"We commend the private sector's efforts to foster digital literacy and create a safer online environment for all. Such efforts reflect the government and the private sector's collective responsibility to inspire creativity, empower communities and connect young people to the digital world," says Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, South Africa.

Bringing In-App Meditation to Our Entire Community

As part of its commitment to empowering users to manage their online experience, TikTok says it has introduced a guided meditation experience in Sleep Hours — an in-app well-being experience automatically enabled at 22:00 for all users under the age of 18. Anyone above this age can choose to turn it on. This feature, the first of its kind in the industry, was piloted in March 2025 and is available worldwide.

Research shows that mindful meditation can improve sleep quality, helping young users wind down and build healthier night-time routines. The introduction of this tool reinforces TikTok's mission to support digital well-being by fostering better sleep hygiene and emotional regulation, particularly for teens and adolescents navigating the pressures of a hyper-connected world, says TikTok.

"People come to TikTok to learn, share their experiences and connect with communities around the world. That's why we're proud to introduce tools that not only support digital well-being but also empower our community, especially young users, with a safe, supportive space to explore and navigate complex emotions," says Valiant Richey, TikTok Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships.

TikTok's Mental Health Education Fund Expands to Support African Organisations

At the summit, TikTok says it also announced the expansion of its USD$2.3-million global Mental Health Education Fund to include organisations from Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the platform's commitment to supporting mental health education across the continent.

With this expansion, TikTok says three Sub-Saharan African organisations have been selected as inaugural regional recipients, including the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative and Kenya's Mental360. These organisations will receive funding and platform support to develop locally relevant, evidence-based content that raises awareness, reduces stigma and encourages open dialogue around mental health in African communities.

TikTok created the Mental Health Education Fund in 2023 to support organisations in creating authoritative, engaging and uplifting mental health content. Globally, the fund has so far helped organisations gain more than 173 million impressions on their content, more than 600 000 new followers for their accounts, prompted more than 200 000 web visits, and helped recruit 486 new volunteers, thanks to a combined USD$7.3-million in ad credit donations, says the platform.

Expansion of In-App Mental Health Helplines Across Africa

Building on a successful pilot in France and subsequent rollout across European countries, TikTok says it is expanding in-app helpline resources across Africa. Users of some countries in Africa will have access to local helplines in-app that provide expert support when reporting content related to suicide, self-harm, hate and harassment.

This feature builds on existing capabilities that direct users to mental health resources when they report bullying and harassment, further strengthening access to timely and relevant support on the platform. TikTok says these partners can offer assistance, including counselling, advice, free psychological support and other essential services to those in need.

While TikTok reviews reported content and removes violations of Community Guidelines, users can connect with these partner organisations to receive personal support, should they need it, adds the platform. 

TikTok Announces Mental Health Ambassadors to Support Online Wellbeing in Africa

As part of its ongoing partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), TikTok says it has introduced its new Mental Health Ambassadors, a diverse group of verified healthcare professionals from the WHO Fides Network.

According to the platform, the inaugural cohort of Mental Health Ambassadors includes:

• Sanam Naran: (South Africa)
• Dr Claire Kinuthia (Kenya)
• Doctor Wales (Nigeria), and 
• Doctor Siya (South Africa). 

Commitment to Digital Safety and Innovation

The Digital Well-Being Summit underscores TikTok's broader strategy to proactively address digital harms through innovation, collaboration and empathy. By combining safety technology, expert partnerships and community engagement, TikTok says it aims to continue to lead the way in creating responsible, empowering online environments for African users.

"At Spectra, we are excited to be partnering with TikTok and believe technology should enhance human wellbeing and ensure safety at every touchpoint. Our partnership with TikTok for the Summit reflects our shared vision of creating digital environments that are not only innovative but also secure and supportive. Together, we're advancing solutions that prioritise both mental health and online safety for communities everywhere," concludes Yusuf Akoojee, Marketing Director at Spectra.

For more information, visit www.tiktok.com. You can also follow TikTok South Africa on  X, Instagram, or on TikTok. 

*Image courtesy of contributor