Are your children also endlessly scrolling on TikTok? The popular video app comes with a new feature to set a limit for how long children can watch the app. That is how it works.
This is how you set a TikTok limit
Unfortunately, the new feature is only available in the UK, but will be rolled out to other countries in the coming weeks. Until then, you can do the same with iPhone’s Screen Time feature. To do this, follow the step-by-step plan below.
- Open the Settings app and tap ‘Screen Time’;
- You will now see the dashboard. Tap on ‘App Limits’;
- Then tap on ‘Add limit’;
- Tap the ‘Creativity’ category and tap TikTok;
- Set a time limit for how long your child can use the app.
You can also change the limit per day, for example if it is allowed longer at the weekend. You can also set restrictions for unsuitable material here. To do this, tap on ‘Restrictions’ and then on ‘Content restrictions’. Tap Apps, then tap an age range to block all unsuitable content. Here you can, for example, also protect explicit material and explicit language.
It is of course advisable to set an access code for Screen Time, so that your child cannot remove the limit himself.
This is how you set up Family Safety Mode on TikTok
TikTok’s new ‘Family Safety Mode’ allows parents to set a limit “with the goal of creating a healthier relationship with apps and services,” said the head of security for the company behind TikTok.
With the new function, you as a parent link your account to that of your child. Once Family Safety Mode is enabled, the parent can limit the child’s Screen Time. First, make sure you have updated the app. Then you can set the Family Safety Mode as follows:
- Go to your profile by tapping on ‘Me’ at the bottom right;
- Tap the three dots at the top right to go to ‘Privacy and settings’;
- Tap ‘Digital Wellbeing’ in the list;
- Here you can choose from three options: Screen Time, Restrictions and Family Safety Mode. Tap the option you want and follow the steps on the screen.
The parent can set how long their child can watch on TikTok per day. He or she can also limit who they send private messages to or even turn off this feature completely. In addition, parents can set what kind of content their children can or cannot see, so that children are not presented with videos that are not suitable for their age.
TikTok takes multiple measures against smartphone addiction
The company behind TikTok is busy with measures to combat a TikTok addiction among users. For example, the company has partnered with several well-known TikTok people, who made a video with the reminder to turn off TikTok every now and then.
These videos come into play when someone is scrolling on TikTok for a long time. When Family Safety Mode is on, children cannot continue watching after such a video.
More Screen Time Tips
Do you want to know more about how to curb iPhone use? On iPhone you regularly read useful tips about Screen Time. For example, we explain how to set communication limits on your iPhone. Our guide to Screen Time explains everything you need to know about this handy iOS feature.