TikTok Sets Time Limits for Minors
TikTok said Wednesday that every account held by a user under the age of 18 will have a default 60-minute daily screen time limit in the coming weeks. The changes arrive during a period in which there are growing concerns among different governments about the app.
The update also mirrors gaming rules imposed on minors in China. In 2021, Chinese authorities issued new rules that let minors play online games for only an hour a day and only on Fridays, weekends and public holidays — an effort to curb internet addiction.
In the U.S., families have struggled with limiting the amount of time their children spend on the Chinese-owned video sharing app. According to the Pew Research Center, about two-thirds of American teens use TikTok.
Cormac Keenan, head of trust and safety at TikTok, said in a blog post Wednesday that when the 60-minute limit is reached, minors will be prompted to enter a passcode and make an “active decision” to keep watching. If the user is under the age of 13, a parent or guardian will have to set the passcode.
Vocabulary
default – a preselected option adopted by a computer program or device when no alternative is specified by the user, “If you do not change the settings, your phone will use the default ringtone.”
screen time limit – a set boundary on the amount of time a person spends looking at a device screen, “The mother set a two-hour screen time limit to ensure her kids spent time playing outside.”
coming weeks – a phrase referring to the near future, specifically the next few weeks ahead, “The company plans to launch its new smartphone model in the coming weeks.”
growing concerns – increasing feelings of worry, anxiety, or unease about a particular issue among a group of people, “There are growing concerns about the environmental impact of plastic pollution in our oceans.”
mirrors – to correspond to, resemble, or reflect something else closely, “The main character’s struggle in the movie mirrors the real-life experiences of the director.”
imposed on – forced or officially established as a rule, law, or penalty that must be obeyed, “Strict new regulations were imposed on local businesses to reduce air pollution.”
minors – individuals who are under the legal age of full responsibility, usually under 18 years old, “The theater does not allow minors to watch R-rated movies without an adult.”
China – a large country located in East Asia, “Many of the electronic components used in modern computers are manufactured in China.”
Chinese authorities – the official government bodies, leaders, or law enforcement agencies of China, “The Chinese authorities implemented a new high-speed rail system to connect the major cities.”
curb – to restrain, control, or limit something undesirable, “The government introduced new taxes on sugary drinks to help curb obesity rates.”
internet addiction – a behavioral dependency characterized by excessive, problematic use of the internet that interferes with daily life, “He sought counseling to overcome his internet addiction after his school grades started to drop.”
struggled with – experienced great difficulty or wrestled with a tough problem or situation, “The small business struggled with declining sales during the economic recession.”
video sharing app – a software application designed to allow users to upload, view, and comment on video content, “He used a popular video sharing app to watch cooking tutorials and travel vlogs.”
Pew Research Center – a nonpartisan American think tank that provides information on social issues, public opinion, and demographic trends, “According to a study by the Pew Research Center, social media usage has risen dramatically over the last decade.”
two-thirds – a fraction representing two equal parts out of a total of three (approximately 66.7%), “Nearly two-thirds of the committee voted in favor of amending the project budget.”
Cormac Keenan – a business executive known for serving as the Head of Trust and Safety at TikTok, “Cormac Keenan announced new safety protocols designed to better protect younger users on the platform.”
head of trust and safety – a corporate leadership role responsible for developing policies to keep users safe from harmful content or behavior on a platform, “As the head of trust and safety, she manages a global team dedicated to removing fraudulent accounts.”
blog post – an article, entry, or piece of writing published on a website blog, “The chef shared her favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe in her latest blog post.”
prompted – moved, forced, or encouraged by a computer system or situation to take a specific action, “The user was prompted to update their password because the old one had expired.”
passcode – a string of numbers or characters used to verify identity and gain access to a secure digital device or area, “You must enter a four-digit passcode to unlock the security door at the laboratory.”
active decision – a conscious, deliberate choice made with full awareness rather than a passive habit, “Choosing to walk to work instead of driving was an active decision to improve his physical fitness.”
parent or guardian – a legal caregiver who is responsible for a child’s welfare and upbringing, “Every student must have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian before going on the field trip.”