TikTok has introduced a new feature aimed at helping teenagers manage their screen time by encouraging them to take a break after 10 PM. If a user under 16 years old remains active on the app past this time, TikTok will interrupt their feed with a full-screen reminder that includes calming music to promote relaxation.
TikTok introduces bedtime reminders for teens
The new reminder is part of TikTok’s initiative to enhance safety measures on the platform amid ongoing scrutiny regarding its impact on youth.
The reminder will include messages like “Sleep Hours, Unwind with a breathing exercise for a good night’s sleep,” “Relax your mind,” “Inhale,” “Hold,” and “Exhale.” While teens can initially dismiss this reminder, TikTok plans to follow up with a more persistent prompt that is harder to ignore.
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To further support parents in monitoring their children’s app usage, TikTok is updating its Family Pairing feature. The new Time Away function will allow caregivers to restrict TikTok access during specific times and set a recurring schedule. Additionally, parents will gain insights into their child’s interactions by viewing who they are following, who follows them, and which accounts have been blocked.
TikTok also continues to implement age assurance technology to prevent access for children under 13, using machine learning in conjunction with age verification methods from telecom partner Telefonica. This includes utilizing age information from phone providers to confirm users’ ages.
As TikTok has been labeled one of the most addictive apps, these new features are seen as a necessary step toward creating a safer online environment for teens. The effectiveness of these reminders in reducing late-night usage remains to be seen, especially since increased screen time translates to higher ad revenue for the platform.
Featured image credit: Solen Feyissa/Unsplash
