In a bid to ensure the safety and well-being of its younger users, TikTok has announced that it will be introducing a new feature that sets a 60-minute daily screen time limit for under-18s. This decision comes as part of the platform's ongoing efforts to create a safer and more positive online environment for its users.



The new feature, which is set to roll out globally over the coming months, will allow parents and guardians to control their child's daily time spent on the app. The feature will also allow parents to restrict the appearance of inappropriate content on their child's account.


The decision to introduce this feature comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people's mental health. Recent studies have shown that excessive social media use can lead to a range of negative effects, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. By introducing this new feature, TikTok is taking a proactive step towards addressing these concerns and promoting responsible social media use among its younger users.


In addition to the 60-minute daily screen time limit, TikTok is also introducing a new feature called "Restricted Mode" for younger users. This feature will allow parents to restrict the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for their child's age group.


TikTok has also launched a new Safety Centre for parents and caregivers, which provides a range of resources and tools to help them ensure that their child is using the app safely and responsibly. The Safety Centre includes information on privacy settings, content moderation, and reporting tools.


It's worth noting that the introduction of these new features is not TikTok's first move towards promoting a safer and more positive online environment for its users. The platform has previously introduced a range of measures, including content moderation and reporting tools, to tackle issues such as bullying and hate speech.


In conclusion, TikTok's decision to introduce a 60-minute daily screen time limit for under-18s is a positive step toward promoting responsible social media use among its younger users. By giving parents greater control over their child's time spent on the app and restricting the appearance of inappropriate content, TikTok is helping to create a safer and more positive online environment for all its users.


No right amount of screen time


Screen time is a topic that has been heavily debated over the years, with many experts weighing in on what is considered an appropriate amount of time to spend in front of a screen. However, the reality is that there is no 'right amount' of screen time that applies to everyone, as each individual's circumstances and needs are different.


While excessive screen time can have negative effects on our physical and mental health, it's important to acknowledge that screens have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. From smartphones and laptops to TVs and gaming consoles, screens are present in almost every aspect of modern life.


Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote work and digital communication, making screens even more essential for staying connected and productive.


That being said, it's still important to be mindful of our screen use and to develop healthy habits around it. Some tips for doing so include:


Setting boundaries: Try to set limits on how much time you spend on screens each day, and stick to them as much as possible. This could include setting a daily screen time limit or taking regular breaks throughout the day to give your eyes and brain a rest.


Prioritizing non-screen activities: Make sure to incorporate plenty of non-screen activities into your daily routine, such as exercise, reading, or spending time outdoors.


Practicing good posture: Maintaining a good posture while using screens can help prevent eye strain, neck pain, and other physical discomforts. Make sure to sit up straight, keep your screen at eye level, and take regular breaks to stretch and move around.


Avoiding screens before bed: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with our sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime, and consider using a blue light filter on your device if you must use it in the evening.


In conclusion, while there is no 'right amount' of screen time that applies to everyone, it's important to be mindful of our screen use and to develop healthy habits around it. By setting boundaries, prioritizing non-screen activities, practicing good posture, and avoiding screens before bed, we can help ensure that our screen use is not negatively impacting our physical and mental health.


'Crack cocaine of algorithms


Imran Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, has noted that TikTok has become wildly popular among 14 to 24-year-olds in the United States and the United Kingdom. He also pointed to his organization's research which revealed that immediately after signing up, a 13-year-old girl was exposed to an eating disorder and self-harm content. Mr. Ahmed has stated that TikTok's algorithm “bombards” teenagers with dangerous material and is the “crack cocaine of algorithms”. He has urged the platform to not only limit time spent on the app but to also “clean up” the feeds to make it a secure environment for kids. This follows the renewed controversy that surrounds TikTok, which is owned by ByteDance and their relationship with the Chinese government.


In September 2021, TikTok reported reaching one billion active monthly users, a milestone that has solidified its standing as one of the largest social media sites worldwide. Despite not divulging a breakdown of its user base, it is widely considered a vital platform for connecting with people aged 34 and younger by advertisers and social media marketers.