As social media becomes an integral part of family life, TikTok is stepping up its efforts to promote digital literacy and wellbeing across generations.

In this interview, Ilunga Mpyana, head of Public Policy Programmes for the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Pakistan and South Asia at TikTok, discusses the platform’s Family Academy initiative, how it’s helping parents and teens navigate the digital world together, and why responsible digital citizenship is a shared responsibility.

What inspired the launch of the Family Academy initiative, and how does it reflect the platform’s long-term vision for digital wellbeing?

TikTok is committed to ensuring that the platform is a safe and welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds and interests can connect, share, and learn from one another in a variety of creative ways. This is where our safety measures and community guidelines shine like a beacon, protecting the platform and its users around the clock.

With over a billion monthly users worldwide, we aim to offer a space where everyone can find their niche, connect with creators, and engage with our community. Our celebration of authentic expression sets us apart, connecting people through new communities, talents, and trends while giving creators a stage to share real stories.

We live in an interconnected world where digital connection is no longer optional. It’s a fundamental part of everyday life. That’s why we hosted our Family Academy event with the belief that digital literacy and online safety aren’t just important, but essential.

We’ve taken a proactive approach to ensure our platform is not only fun and engaging but also safe and supportive for everyone, regardless of age or background. It’s not enough to create safety tools. We need to ensure that our community knows how and why to use them.

How does TikTok aim to bridge the gap between teens’ digital habits and parents’ understanding of the online world?

We believe digital safety begins with awareness and dialogue. Our goal is to support parents with the tools needed to help their teens build positive online habits. TikTok’s safety features are designed not to restrict, but to encourage open conversations and empower parents to support their teens’ digital journeys.

Tools like Family Pairing, which has been regularly enhanced since its launch, allow parents and teens to customise their safety settings based on individual needs. We also recognise that digital safety isn’t always an easy topic for teens to discuss with their parents. That’s why, when teens report content, TikTok is introducing a new option for teens to choose to alert a parent, caregiver, or other trusted adult at the same time, even if they aren’t using Family Pairing.

This holistic approach helps bridge the generational digital gap by promoting transparency, trust, and shared responsibility between parents and teens.

What are some key warning signs that a child may be struggling with digital stress, and how can families respond constructively?

Digital stress is becoming increasingly common, particularly as children and teens spend more time online for both school and socialising. Some of the most noticeable signs include sudden shifts in mood or behaviour, such as increased irritability, anxiety, or withdrawal after being online.

Sleep problems are another red flag, especially when children use screens late into the night or wake up tired and emotionally drained.

Parents might also notice a decline in focus or academic performance, or physical symptoms like headaches and eye strain. Another key indicator is what’s often called “digital clinginess”: the compulsive need to check phones, fear of missing out (FOMO), or visible distress when disconnected.

The key for families is to respond with empathy, not punishment. Open up conversations about what’s happening online. Create shared boundaries around tech use, like screen-free zones or digital curfews, and model healthy habits as adults.

It’s also crucial to help children build emotional resilience online. This means teaching them how to handle negative content, recognise unrealistic portrayals on social media, and understand the value of taking breaks. And when stress seems persistent or overwhelming, it’s perfectly appropriate to seek guidance from a child psychologist who understands the digital landscape. A collaborative, compassionate approach is far more effective than reactive discipline.

In a region where youth adoption of social media is high, what role should schools and local communities play in fostering responsible digital citizenship?

When social media becomes a central part of youth culture, it’s essential that schools and communities step up not as enforcers, but as educators and partners.

First, schools should integrate digital citizenship directly into the curriculum. This goes beyond just internet safety. We’re talking about real-world discussions on privacy, online consent, misinformation, empathy, and the long-term impact of digital footprints. These aren’t “extra” lessons — they’re modern-day life skills.

But schools shouldn’t go it alone. Students are powerful messengers for their own generation. Empowering them through peer-led initiatives or ambassador programmes can help foster a culture of digital kindness and accountability. When young people see their peers promoting healthy online behaviour, it tends to resonate more deeply.

Local communities also play a vital role. Hosting public workshops for parents, offering training on emerging platforms, and encouraging youth-driven digital wellness campaigns can all help bridge generational gaps.

Ultimately, fostering digital citizenship is a collective effort. It requires a community that listens, learns, and leads with intention and not fear. When done right, it helps raise a generation that is not only tech-savvy, but ethically and emotionally equipped to thrive in digital spaces.

What safety features does TikTok offer, and could you share more details about the latest tools introduced specifically for teenagers?

For us, safety doesn’t have a finish line. It is a continuous effort. We want teens to feel empowered, not overwhelmed, and at the same time, we want parents to feel confident that their teens are navigating a platform designed with their well-being in mind.

User accounts aged 13 and above come with built-in safeguards, such as default private settings and restricted interactions, to help create a safe space for self-expression. We’re also giving families more tools to manage healthy usage. From customisable screen time limits to a new wind-down feature that encourages users under 18 to switch off after 10pm, we’re creating moments of pause that promote balance and mindfulness.

Our Family Pairing tools have evolved to offer over 15 customisable features, including daily screen time limits, “Time Away” schedules, visibility into teen networks (followers, blocked accounts), and a default 60-minute limit for teens, with passcode unlocks for parent-set limits. Teens can also alert a trusted adult when they report content.

Beyond “Not Interested” and “Report” features, the platform offers Comment Filters & Restrictions where users can limit comments, mute certain words, or even restrict who interacts with their content.

With our Family Pairing features, we’ve been able to proudly reach over 400 million people globally with information needed to implement safer digital habits, and support more than 850,000 teens and families in setting up guardrails based on their own individual needs.

For us, building a safer future means being proactive, not reactive. It means designing experiences with safety at the core, especially for teens and families. We’re committed to making sure the platform stays fun, inspiring, and above all, safe.

Diriyah Company has awarded a SAR2.249bn ($600m) contract to Salini Saudi Arabia, a subsidiary of the Webuild Group, for the construction of Diriyah Square — a flagship retail district at the heart of the Diriyah masterplan.

Part of the wider “City of Earth” vision, Diriyah Square will feature over 400 retail, dining, and leisure brands within a pedestrian-focused setting that blends modern experiences with Najdi-inspired architecture. The project aims to redefine the retail and lifestyle offering in Diriyah and, more broadly, in Riyadh.

The contract marks Salini’s third major engagement on the Diriyah Square development. The company is currently advancing construction on one of the world’s largest underground car parks, with 10,500 spaces, integrated bus stations, taxi and VIP drop-off zones, and a four-lane underground gyratory road that connects the entire subterranean network. Salini is also nearing completion of structural works for key above-ground assets including hotels, branded residences, offices, and the Grand Mosque.

Under the new contract, Salini will construct 73 buildings across a total built-up area of 365,340 square metres, including 400 shell-and-core retail units. The scope of work includes facades, finishes, and fit-outs. Each structure will reflect traditional Najdi design principles to create an immersive pedestrianised retail environment that celebrates 300 years of cultural heritage.

Read: Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah awards $2bn contract for mixed-use district

Commenting on the latest milestone, Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “Diriyah Square is one of our most exciting, anticipated, and prestigious districts, and we are extremely pleased to have signed with Salini to deliver it, bringing their immense global experience to the table. It is yet another significant milestone in our development journey and will help set the stage for Diriyah Square’s retail spaces to welcome a diverse array of shoppers from our residential communities, surrounding office spaces, and the millions who visit us every year.”

Pietro Salini, CEO of Webuild, added: “We are proud to contribute to a project of such symbolic and strategic importance to Saudi Arabia. This will further strengthen our presence in the Kingdom and positively impact both the area and the local community. We are excited about developing this new phase of Diriyah Square, an integral part of an iconic project. The Webuild Group has been present in Saudi Arabia since 1966, delivering more than 90 projects. We remain committed to supporting the Kingdom in developing some of the world’s most complex infrastructure projects, particularly in areas such as civil buildings, sustainable mobility, and desalination.”

Commercial anchor

Diriyah Square serves as the commercial anchor of the larger SAR237bn ($63.2bn) Diriyah masterplan. It will connect international luxury brands with regional artisans and offer a mix of retail, cultural, and entertainment experiences. The square will house 400 of the 1,000 total retail outlets envisioned across the 14-square-kilometer development.

With this contract, Diriyah Company has now awarded contracts worth over SAR100bn ($26bn) since inception, including SAR20bn ($5bn) in the first half of 2025 alone.

When fully developed, Diriyah is expected to contribute SAR70bn ($18.6bn) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, generate close to 180,000 jobs, and become home to around 100,000 residents. It will also feature cultural and entertainment landmarks such as the Royal Diriyah Opera House, the Diriyah Arena, museums, a university, the Royal Golf Club, and the Royal Equestrian & Polo Club.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has announced seven new destinations as part of its continuing strategy to expand point-to-point connectivity and bring more travellers directly to Abu Dhabi.

The new routes include Almaty (Kazakhstan), Baku (Azerbaijan), Bucharest (Romania), Madinah (Saudi Arabia), Tbilisi (Georgia), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and Yerevan (Armenia)—each chosen for its cultural significance, tourism potential, and growing demand for travel.

Read-Etihad launches flight to Atlanta, US; other route announcements

Flights to these destinations will go on sale in the coming days, with services beginning in March 2026. However, Madinah will launch earlier, in November 2025.

Strengthening Abu Dhabi as a global hub

These additions bring Etihad’s total number of new destinations for 2025 to 29, underscoring the airline’s ambition to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a vibrant hub for tourism, culture, and commerce.

“Our goal is clear—we want to bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “These new routes connect us to fast-growing, culturally rich regions and will help stimulate demand for tourism and trade in the UAE’s capital.

“From the spiritual significance of Madinah to the historic charm of Tbilisi and Yerevan, and the modern vibrancy of cities like Baku and Almaty, each destination adds depth to our growing network and attracts travellers with diverse interests.”

Neves added that launching 29 new routes in one year marks a “remarkable milestone” and showcases the airline’s commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s growth.

“Whether for business or leisure, guests can expect a seamless journey and world-class hospitality that reflects Etihad’s elevated service. These connections make it easier than ever to experience everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.”

Ongoing route expansion in 2025

So far in 2025, Etihad has celebrated inaugural flights to Prague, Warsaw, Sochi, and Atlanta. An additional 13 new routes are expected before the end of the year, continuing the airline’s aggressive growth strategy.

This announcement also follows Etihad’s recent reveal of three new seasonal summer destinations for 2026: Krakow (Poland), Salalah (Oman), and Kazan (Russia), which will operate during peak travel months.

Destination Highlights

Each new city on Etihad’s network offers unique cultural, historical, and leisure appeal:

• Madinah, Saudi Arabia: One of Islam’s holiest cities, Madinah welcomes travellers with its serene atmosphere, striking architecture, and the revered Prophet’s Mosque, a major pilgrimage site. The city’s expanding infrastructure offers comfort and convenience for spiritual and leisure visitors alike.
• Bucharest, Romania: Romania’s capital combines elegant architecture, vibrant culture, and bustling streets, making it a stylish and energetic destination with distinct Central European charm.
• Tbilisi, Georgia: A city full of old-world charm and modern flair, Tbilisi sits along the Kura River and features colourful balconies, historic sulphur baths, and a thriving arts scene that reflects Georgia’s rich identity.
• Yerevan, Armenia: One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Yerevan is known for its pink stone buildings, wide squares, and dramatic mountain views. Its museums and open-air cafes celebrate Armenian culture and creativity.
• Baku, Azerbaijan: Located on the Caspian Sea, Baku offers an eclectic mix of tradition and innovation—from centuries-old palaces to futuristic skyscrapers. Its seaside promenade and vibrant nightlife are popular with tourists and business travellers alike.
• Almaty, Kazakhstan: A city framed by the Tian Shan mountains, Almaty features tree-lined boulevards, green parks, and access to nearby ski resorts. It blends natural beauty with a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle.
• Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan’s capital is a city of contrasts, with historic architecture, lively bazaars, and a rapidly modernizing skyline. Tashkent offers a window into Central Asia’s rich heritage and evolving future.

Further Expansion Announced in July

In an earlier announcement on July 2, 2025, Etihad revealed plans for seasonal flights to Kazan, Krakow, and Salalah, expanding its presence in Russia, Poland, and Oman, respectively.

These routes are part of the airline’s strategic push to capture high-demand leisure traffic during summer and winter travel periods.

10.2 million passengers in first half of 2025

Etihad’s network expansion aligns with its strong performance in 2025. The airline transported 1.8 million passengers in June, a 16 per cent increase compared to June 2024. Its load factor rose to 88 per cent, up from 86 per cent the previous year, showing the airline’s ability to match capacity with growing demand.

Etihad’s current fleet of 101 aircraft supports this expansion and allows it to enhance service reliability across its network, a WAM report said.

In total, 10.2 million passengers flew with Etihad in the first half of 2025, reflecting a 17 per cent increase year-on-year. The average load factor during this period was 87 per cent, reinforcing the airline’s momentum and operational efficiency.

“We are pleased to see continued momentum in our growth,” said Neves. “Our year-to-date figures show that more than 10 million guests have flown with us in 2025, and our rolling 12-month total has almost reached 20 million as our customers continue to place their trust in our service.”

Etihad’s June growth also included inaugural flights to Prague and Warsaw, and the resumption of seasonal routes to summer destinations such as Nice, Malaga, Mykonos, Santorini, and Antalya.

Low-cost carrier Wizz Air is actively addressing refund requests from affected passengers on X (formerly Twitter), following its decision to suspend all flights to and from Abu Dhabi by 31 August 2025.

Following the announcement, numerous users took to X to seek clarity on cancellations and refunds.

In an official statement on X, the airline said: “Passengers with existing bookings beyond 31 August 2025 will be contacted directly via email with options for refunds or alternative travel arrangements. Customers who booked through third-party providers are advised to contact their respective agents. The above suspensions do not affect other flights of the Wizz Air group.”

The move, described by Wizz Air as a response to “geopolitical instability, repeated airspace closures, and regulatory challenges,” has impacted travelers who booked flights for dates beyond 1 September 2025.

Scaling back

Meanwhile, Wizz Air’s CEO József Váradi confirmed to Reuters that the airline intends to “scale back” its order of 47 Airbus A321XLR aircraft in light of the Abu Dhabi withdrawal. He also revealed that talks are underway with Airbus to convert some of that order into A321 models, which are more compatible with Wizz Air’s revised operational focus.

The airline reiterated that only Abu Dhabi operations are affected, and all other Wizz Air group flights will continue as scheduled.

As Wizz Air pivots its strategy toward more stable and profitable markets, its handling of customer concerns, will be key to maintaining brand trust during this transition.