Minors using TikTok will soon be limited to how much time they’re allowed on the app due to a new automatic setting administered by the app’s creators.
In a blog post, TikTok announced that anyone under 18 will automatically be set to a 60-minute daily screen time.
Once the 60-minute time limit is reached, teens will be required to enter a passcode to continue using the app. The company says in doing this, teens will be required to make an active decision to extend their usage time and be mindful of the amount of time they’ve spent on the app.
Minors on TikTok will receive a message in their inbox recapping their screen time from the previous week. Direct messaging is only available to TikTok users above 16, and users must be at least 18 to livestream on the app.
According to the post, TikTok is also updating its Family Pairing feature by allowing parents to link their account with the minor’s and set parental controls.
Parents will now be able to filter the child’s "For You" page by removing videos that use certain words or hashtags. Parents will also have the option to set their own screen time limit as well as mute the child’s TikTok notifications at a certain time.
According to the bog post, the new rollout saw a 234% increase in use of the app’s time screen tools in the first month.
TikTok, owned by ByteDance, has been incredibly popular among Gen Z users.
“Something like almost 40% of young people when they’re looking for a place for lunch, don’t go to Google Maps or Search, they go to TikTok or Instagram,” Prabhakar Raghavan, Google Senior Vice President, said.
According to the blog post, the team at TikTok wants to help teens manage their time wisely and improve digital well-being.
-
Missing 37-year-old Anderson man found deceased
On July 11, police said they received multiple tips from people who had recently seen Smith. This led authorities to the 2700 block of West 38th Street.
Court docs: Roommate arrested following death of woman on Indy's east side
Officers arrived at the scene and found an adult woman with injuries consistent with trauma wounds to her body. EMS pronounced her deceased at the scene.
Man, juvenile dead in shooting on northwest side of Indy; 19-year-old arrested
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a shooting that killed a man and a juvenile on the northwest side of Indianapolis early Saturday morning.
IMPD urges peace this weekend after recent gun violence
This comes after a mass shooting last weekend that killed two and injured five. IMPD and Indiana State Police will have an increased presence downtown this weekend.
