TikTok’s new feature aims to nudge teens off their screens

At 10 pm, do you know where your children are? Odds are, they are in their rooms, eyes locked on TikTok. But soon, the app will try to steer them towards a calmer bedtime routine. TikTok has announced a new feature designed to help users under 16 wind down instead of endlessly scrolling.

This feature, which will activate automatically for teens, introduces a full-screen prompt encouraging them to pause, breathe, and log off. If they ignore it, a second reminder follows, gently nudging them to take a break. TikTok plans to add meditation exercises to these prompts in the future.

Will teens actually heed these warnings? That remains to be seen.

TikTok insists that in countries where the feature was tested, most teens chose to keep the reminders on. Research suggests mindfulness exercises can reduce stress and anxiety, particularly among young users. A 2020 study found that guided meditations can lower stress, while a 2021 study linked mobile-based meditation to reduced rumination and negative thinking in teens.

However, the reminders are ultimately optional. Without strict enforcement, many may simply dismiss them. Some might also question TikTok's intentions — after all, the app still keeps teens engaged through in-app meditations. So far, TikTok says it is not using this as an opportunity for advertising or partnerships, but it would not be surprising if that changed.

Alongside this, TikTok is expanding its parental control tools. A new 'Time Away' mode lets parents schedule breaks for their children, while additional settings provide insight into their online interactions. For some, this is a welcome step. For others, it is another move in the ongoing tug-of-war over screen time.