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.
When the social network launched daily screen time limits 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.