TikTok and others change platforms to protect kids. Advocates say it's just a start

Amid growing concern about children's use of social media, the United Kingdom implemented rules designed to keep kids safer and limit their screen time. The U.S. is weighing similar legislation. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Social media companies have collectively made nearly 100 tweaks to their platforms to comply with new standards in the United Kingdom to improve online safety for kids. That's according to a new report by the U.S.-based nonprofit Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development.

The U.K.'s Children's Code, or the Age Appropriate Design Code, went into effect in 2020. Social media companies were given a year to comply with the new rules. The changes highlighted in the report are ones that social media companies, including the most popular ones among kids, like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat, have publicized themselves. The changes extend to platforms as they are used in the United States, as well.