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TikTok, the popular video app that has taken the world by storm, recently announced that it would introduce a new feature for teenagers called the Screen Limit. This app-exclusive feature will allow users aged 13 to 17 to set their daily limits on how much they use TikTok.
By using the new TikTok screen limit feature, parents can limit their childโs screen time on the platform. So, has this been well-received so far? We have done the research, and some parents and users shared their thoughts on TikTokโs new update.
TikTok’s Screen Limit Feature
TikTok recently implemented a screen limit for under-18 users, which is fairly straightforward. Logging into the app will show you a new notification at the top of your Feed that says “Limit” with an hourglass icon next to it.
The new feature applies only when people use their phones or tablets. The limit is one hour per day for under-18s, and there are specific types of content that are affected by it, such as:
- Videos. If youโre under 18, your videos will be limited to one hour daily. This includes any content that other users post on the platform.
- Live streams. Aside from videos, the new feature applies to live-streaming content. People under 18 will be limited to one hour of live streaming daily in TikTok.
Reasons Behind TikTok’s Screen Limit For Teenagers
The majority of teenagersโ mental health and well-being are at stake in the modern world, so TikTok made the initiative to limit their screen time through their new feature. The company has been receiving flak from some parents, saying that they are more worried about their kids being online on the platform too much than they should. Here are some of the top reasons why the company made the initiative.
Fewer Distractions and More Productivity
This recent change is meant to help kids become more productive and reduce their distractions from homework and other activities that are important for schoolwork. The company said these are essential changes to help teens manage their time on TikTok, resulting in better grades and healthier lifestyles.
According to research, kids who are spending too much time on multiple screens have more time on social media like TikTok and less on productivity like school work or socializing. This occurs because kids are more likely to get sidetracked by new things that pop up on their screens than adults.
Better Sleep Quality
Most teenagers find it difficult to sleep at the right time because of the excessive time spent on their devices. The light emitted from the screens keeps them awake for longer than they should, and they have no idea how to get around it.
This new TikTok update will improve your kid’s sleep quality and mental health. It will help them get more restful sleep, which means that when they wake up in the morning, they’ll feel better rested and ready to take on their day. A recent study suggested that less time on devices increases overall sleep quality by 30%.
Better Mental Well-being
The new TikTok update is a good step forward in helping teens develop better mental well-being. However, studies show that more screen time is linked to depression and other mental health issues, so limiting your child’s time on their phone or tablet is important.
This can be especially challenging if they are using these devices to escape reality or feel lonely or anxious since they may not want to spend less time on them. By setting a limit, you can help ensure your teen gets enough sleep and experiences real-world interactions instead of escaping into a virtual space.
Response from Parents on TikTok’s Screen Limit Feature
Parents are divided on the issue. Some say it’s good for their children to be more productive, while others say it might be too restrictive. They also say it’s impossible to enforce as kids can easily reach the screen limit using their parent’s phones.
According to a Reddit user named u/KeaboUltra, any parent can do this and reach the screen limit. So the only way to ensure that your child doesn’t use their phone is to take it away from them when they get home from school and put it in a safe place where you can see it.
Still, others think that limiting TikTok is beneficial because it forces kids to spend more time with their parents or at least get off the app and do something else.
Communicate With Your Child About Their Screen Time
The response from parents on TikTokโs screen limit feature has been mixed. Most of them agree that it’s a good idea for their children to have limited access to social media, while others do not. It comes down to how parents get into the habit of monitoring their kidsโ phone use and enforcing the rules. Ultimately, talking to your child about the app and how they should use their devices responsibly is important.
