New screen time controls will prompt folks to put down the app after as little as 10 minutes.
B.A. in Journalism & Public Relations with minor in Communications Media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
TikTok is rolling out more screen time controls that prompt users to take a break after a certain amount of uninterrupted scrolling.
Housed in the Digital Wellbeing hub, screen time breaks—available in increments of 10, 20, and 30 minutes, or a custom amount you dictate—can be toggled on or off at any time. Activate them during work to keep from falling down a digital rabbit hole at the office, or in the hours before bed to ensure a restful night. TikTok also lets users snooze reminders that will reappear again later.
“Having a positive relationship with digital devices and apps isn’t just about measuring screen time, it’s also about feeling in control of how we use technology and ensuring that the time we spend online contributes positively to our sense of wellbeing,” project manager Jordan Furlong wrote in a blog announcement(Opens in a new window).
When the social network launched daily screen time limits(Opens in a new window) in February 2020, it enlisted top creators who encouraged users to keep tabs on their viewing habits. Videos reminded folks to take a break from their phones and “do something IRL,” like exploring the city or reading a book. TikTok also introduced a Screen Time Management setting, which lets users choose a time cap that can be locked behind a four-digit passcode—ideal for restricting kids’ online exposure or limiting adults’ drunken comments.
The latest set of updates includes a screen time dashboard with information about how much time folks spend daily on the app, highlighting the number of times it’s opened as well as a breakdown of day and nighttime usage. For the full rundown, opt into weekly summary notifications, and read TikTok’s new digital wellbeing guide in the Safety Center, which “encourages our community to reflect more holistically about how they spend their time online.”
Parents and guardians choosing not to get involved can rest assured that users aged 13-17 who are clocked scrolling the app for more than 100 minutes in a single day will be reminded of the screen time limit tool next time they open TikTok.
Sign up for What’s New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Advertisement
B.A. in Journalism & Public Relations with minor in Communications Media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
Reporter at The Frederick News-Post (2008-2012)
Reporter for PCMag and Geek.com (RIP) (2012-present)
Read Stephanie’s full bio
Advertisement
PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.
PCMag supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownerships.
© 1996-2023 Ziff Davis, LLC., a Ziff Davis company. All Rights Reserved.
PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.