TikTok Introduces Wind Down Feature with Calming Music to Encourage Teens to Log Off at Night

TikTok is introducing a new feature designed to promote healthier internet use among teenage users. The feature, which has been dubbed “Wind Down,” will encourage teens to stop using the app late at night by interrupting their feed with calming music. This feature specifically targets users under the age of 16 and will automatically activate if they are still active on the app after 10 PM. The Wind Down feature will present a full-screen takeover, playing soothing music to calm down the teenagers and gradually get them off the app before bedtime.
In addition to the Wind Down feature, TikTok will also introduce meditation exercises in the coming weeks. The exercises also aim to assist teenagers in developing better bedtime routines and enhancing the quality of their sleep. The idea behind these mindfulness tools comes from research that shows how meditation can be beneficial in enhancing sleep quality.
Wind Down is part of a broader effort by TikTok to enhance its Family Pairing features, which allow parents to link their account to their child’s. This allows parents to more easily monitor their child’s TikTok usage and apply personalized controls, such as limiting screen time and blocking the app during certain times of day. For instance, parents can now use the “Time Away” feature to shut off their teen’s access to TikTok during dinner time, school hours, or sleep time. Teens can request more time, but the ultimate decision rests with the parents.
TikTok’s Family Pairing was first rolled out in 2020 and has been continuously updated based on feedback from families and experts. The latest updates provide parents with even more visibility into their teen’s TikTok circle, such as being able to see who their teen is following and who is following them, as well as which accounts they have blocked. This additional transparency is designed to facilitate honest discussions about online relationships and help teens maintain safe digital relationships.
The release of these features attests to TikTok’s attempt to address concerns over the impact of social media on the mental health and digital wellness of teenagers. Social media platforms, including TikTok, have faced criticism over the potential risks they pose to teenagers, particularly regarding mental health and privacy. Through features like Wind Down and enhanced parental controls, TikTok aims to make its app a safer and healthier online environment for its teenage users.
TikTok’s actions also include ongoing efforts to inform its approach through feedback and expert guidance. The app is also attempting to introduce additional safety features, such as a tool that allows teens to notify a trusted adult when they report content that may violate platform policy. This proactive step is part of TikTok’s broader approach to prioritizing teen safety and well-being, so the app remains a positive and welcoming space for young people.