To avoid addictions and protect those under 18, TikTok is implementing several measures for young users.
The amount of time teenagers spend on their smartphones keeps increasing. However, this addiction to screens can have a profound impact on the minds of young people. Several studies have shown that these promote a sedentary lifestyle, but also depression and anxiety in teenagers.
Among their favorite applications are social networks, in particular Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok. The latter, however, is considered the most harmful because of how it works. The platform offers short videos and a scroll system that accelerates the process of addiction in teenagers.
Because of the problems generated by this system, several actions have been implemented. American teachers have filed a complaint once morest all social networks. In France, the Government wants to reduce physical inactivity by promoting the practice of sports.
But TikTok decided to act on its own by implementing new features.
Stronger parental controls and usage restrictions for young TikTok users
First, the network announced the implementation of a daily time limit. In the facts, users between the ages of 13 and 17 will have their time spent on the app limited to 1 hour per day. After this time, a warning will appear on the screen. In addition, you will need to enter a password to continue enjoying TikTok.
Then, the network puts age limits in place to access certain features. Thus, the lives will now be reserved for users over 18 years old. As for messaging, you will need to be at least 16 years old to use it.
To strengthen the protection of minors, the accounts of 13-18 year olds will be switched to private mode. This means that only their followers will be able to view content posted to their account. However, they will still be able to switch the profile to public mode. Finally, parental control will be strengthened, in particular to protect young people from inappropriate content.
Really effective measures to empower young people?
These measures should arrive on the application in the coming weeks. But if they want to be reassuring, the question of their effectiveness on young audiences is debated.
Indeed, as regards the daily time limit, it will not be sanctioned only by a warning. This is just to alert teenagers that the recommended limit has been exceeded, in order to make them responsible and push them to stop on their own. But the warning does not block access to the application. Teens can continue to use it if they wish, without worrying regarding the impact on their health.
As for lives and direct messaging reserved for those over 16 or 18, they can encourage young people to provide false information. If TikTok can ban their account by analyzing the posted content, these restrictions can cause teens to lie to still benefit from the network.
