TikTok shakes things up with new restrictions for teens! Family Connection, Meditation... Find out how the app is trying to curb teenage addiction.
TikTok is the go-to app for young people. Endlessly scrolling through short, viral videos has become a daily habit for millions of teenagers around the world. But in the face of growing concerns about digital addiction and its negative effects on mental health, TikTok is preparing to roll out radical new features. The goal? To regulate the use of younger users and offer more control to parents. A decision that may not please everyone!
TikTok and digital addiction: a threat to young people
Since its launch in 2016 by ByteDanceTikTok has conquered the world with its ultra-powerful algorithm which adapts content based on user preferences. Result: a thread " For you " who knows exactly how to capture our attention and keep us there. glued to the screen for hours.
Adolescents are more sensitive to instant rewards, are particularly exposed to this addictive loop. Several studies have shown that spending too much time on TikTok can cause :
- A reduced concentrationespecially in the classroom
- From sleep disorders, due to prolonged exposure to screens
- A addiction to likes and social interactions digital
- A social isolation, reducing real-life interactions
Faced with these alarming findings, TikTok is taking drastic measures.
TikTok introduces shocking features to limit addiction
The official announcement came on March 11, 2025 : TikTok rolls out two major new features to help young people better manage their screen time and avoid addiction.
“Family Connection” mode: parents take control
This mode has been around for five years, but TikTok is strengthening it with more restrictive options. Parents will now be able to block access to the app at specific times, thus preventing their children to use TikTok at night or during study hours.
Thanks to the news Screen Time feature, they will also be able to:
- View followed accounts and subscribers of their children
- Access the history of watched videos
- Restrict certain content or creators
A revolution that could cause tensions between teenagers and parents!
“Meditation” mode: a forced interruption from 10 p.m.
TikTok goes even further with a new feature: mode Meditation. From 10 p.m., users under 16 will no longer be able to access the “For You” feed.. Instead, they will only see relaxation and breathing exercises accompanied by soothing music.
The objective is clear: encourage young people to drop out and sleep betterBut this restriction may not please teenagers addicted to their nighttime videos...
Will these new measures be effective?
The European Union has been pressuring TikTok to further regulate minors' use of the platform. These new restrictions are therefore a direct response to regulators' concerns and parents.
But the question remains: will these new rules really be effective? Will young people find ways around them, such as creating alternative accounts or using their friends' phones?
TikTok is committed to strengthen its age verification system to prevent these diversions. It remains to be seen whether this will be enough to curb addiction or if this attempt will be perceived as too much of a constraint by users.
Europe on the front line: why don't these measures apply everywhere?
These new features will be exclusively available in the European Union. Why is that? Because European regulators are imposing increasingly strict standards regarding the protection of minors online.
In the United States and Asia, TikTok has not yet announced similar measures. However, addiction to the app is also affecting these regions. Will the American and Chinese authorities follow the European example? Only time will tell.
Will TikTok survive these restrictions?
With these major changes, TikTok is trying to reconcile its immense success with government pressure. But the real question is: Will young people continue to use TikTok with these new limitations?
Some might be frustrated and turn to other more permissive platforms, like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts. Others, however, might appreciate these new features, which would help them to better manage their time and to avoid addiction.
TikTok is playing big with this initiative. If it is well received, it could strengthen the credibility of the application and reassure parents. If rejected, it could cause a flight of young users to other social networks.
And you, what do you think of these new rules?
Should TikTok restrict access to young people to protect their well-being, or is this an infringement on their freedom to use the app as they wish?
Tell us in the comments if you think These new features are a good idea or an excessive burden !
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