TikTok Screen Time Limit Tool Fails to Reduce Teen Usage, Court Documents Show
Newly revealed court documents show that TikTok’s screen time limit tool, intended to curb teen usage, has had little impact on reducing time spent on the app. According to records obtained by Kentucky Public Radio (KPR) and NPR, internal documents and comments from TikTok executives indicate that the tool’s primary goal was to boost public trust rather than limit user engagement.
Minimal Impact on Reducing Screen Time
TikTok’s screen time feature prompts users under 18 to enter a passcode if they exceed a 60-minute limit. However, the documents reveal that this feature only decreased average daily use by 1.5 minutes. Internally, TikTok reportedly prioritized daily active user (DAU) retention over time reduction, with project managers noting the tool’s purpose was more about maintaining media-friendly policies than achieving tangible reductions in usage.
Internal Concerns Over Teen Safety
The report highlights concerns raised by TikTok executives about the platform’s potential effects on teen mental health, acknowledging that prolonged use could impact well-being. Although TikTok introduced videos to encourage breaks, internal communications suggest these measures were intended primarily as talking points for lawmakers rather than functional solutions.
Lawsuit Filed Against TikTok Over Teen Usage Concerns
On Tuesday, 14 attorneys general filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the app of contributing to teen addiction, mental health issues, and disruptions in sleep due to late-night push notifications. The unredacted documents reveal TikTok’s acknowledgment of these risks but reflect a focus on user engagement metrics over safety improvements.
TikTok maintains its commitment to teen safety, noting that recent safeguards include family pairing, default time limits, and privacy controls for users under 16. However, the court filing has sparked renewed scrutiny over TikTok’s handling of its youth user base, with debates continuing over the platform’s real dedication to protecting its young audience.
External link: CNN
Internal link: Kenkou Land
