Overview

• TikTok has launched new parental control features, including the ability to block app access during specific times and monitor follower lists.
• The 'Wind Down' feature interrupts late-night use for teens under 16 with calming music and mindfulness prompts, aiming to encourage better digital habits.
• Critics, including digital safety experts, argue that the controls are easy to bypass and fail to address the app's addictive nature and mental health concerns.
• Parents and experts emphasize the need for open communication and additional safeguards, as technical solutions alone are insufficient to curb problematic usage.
• The updates come as TikTok faces legal scrutiny and public pressure over its role in the youth mental health crisis and its potential U.S. ban.