Understanding the TikTok Ban: From Data Risks to Digital Disconnect
TikTok’s future in the United States hangs in the balance as legal battles, political pressures, and security concerns collide.
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This week, the digital landscape brings a mix of progress and pitfalls: states uniting to ban phones in schools, the FTC cracking down on data privacy, and parents grappling with app safety. From AI tutors to Roblox controversies, here are the tech stories every parent needs to stay informed about.
Teens and ChatGPT: A Growing Trend in Homework Help
About a quarter of U.S. teens now use ChatGPT for schoolwork, doubling the share from 2023.
Most teens approve of using the AI for research, though far fewer think it’s acceptable for essays or math problems, raising concerns about critical thinking.
The increasing integration of AI into education is raising questions about whether it can — or should — complement traditional learning.
ChatGPT is the homework helper for more than a quarter of teens – and the trend is accelerating | TechRadar
Why Parents Are Deleting Roblox
A viral TikTok video revealed that a 5-year-old encountered explicit content on Roblox, raising alarms about its safety.
Despite new parental controls introduced in late 2024, gaps in content moderation remain, with bad actors often finding ways around restrictions.
This incident underscores the importance of active parental involvement and highlights the challenges of ensuring online gaming safety for kids.
Parents Are Encouraging Others To Delete Roblox—Should You? | Parents
Phone Bans in Schools Gain Bipartisan Momentum
A growing number of states are supporting bipartisan efforts to ban phones in schools to curb distractions and improve learning.
Advocates argue that phone bans can reduce anxiety and foster healthier social interactions among students.
Opponents say kids need a source of communication in an emergency and can cause complications for students who needs phone apps for accommodation or health needs.
The move reflects a broader trend of prioritizing focus and mental well-being in educational settings.
Screen Time: How Much is Too Much?
New research shows that more than 90 minutes of daily screen time may hinder young children’s social and cognitive development.
Excessive usage has been linked to delays in key developmental milestones, sparking discussions around how to set healthy boundaries.
The findings stress the importance of setting healthy screen time boundaries to support balanced growth.
How 1.5 hours of screen time a day affects a toddler’s development | Telegraph
Kids’ Digital Dilemma: App Usage Report Highlights Challenges
A new Qustodio report reveals global trends in kids’ app usage, showing significant increases in time spent on TikTok, Instagram, and Roblox.
Parents are grappling with challenges as kids spend an average of over two hours daily on TikTok and over 2.5 hours on Roblox in the U.S. alone.
The report underscores the need for education, open conversation, and mindful monitoring to help families strike a balance between technology’s benefits and risks.
Qustodio releases 2024 report on kids’ app usage, The Digital Dilemma: Childhood at a Crossroads | PR Newswire
Trump Signs Executive Order Delaying TikTok Ban
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order postponing the enforcement of the TikTok ban for 75 days, allowing time to negotiate a resolution.
This delay provides an opportunity for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. assets or form a joint venture with American ownership to address national security concerns.
The decision underscores the administration’s focus on balancing security issues with the interests of TikTok’s substantial U.S. user base.
Trump signs executive order to pause TikTok ban, provide immunity to tech firms | NPR
Other Headlines
- FTC Finalizes Children’s Privacy Rule Minimizing Data Collection | Bloomberg Law
- What Teens Are Saying About Barring Children Under 16 From Social Media | The New York Times
Did we miss anything?
Any other important tech news from this week? Let us know in the comments below.
Author Robert Milligan
Rob is a Gabb staff writer with a passion for stories and over a decade of experience. As a father of three, he loves anything that lights up his kids' worlds and sparks their imaginations. Rob is dedicated to helping families navigate the digital world safely while fostering creativity and meaningful connections.
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