Pinterest Encourages Teens to Limit App Use During School

Pinterest is taking a significant step to enhance student focus during school hours by testing a new feature that encourages minors to close the app. This initiative is being rolled out in the US and Canada, targeting teenagers aged 13 to 17.

The feature involves a pop-up prompt that appears during typical school hours, from 8AM to 3PM, Monday to Friday. The message encourages students to 'stay in the moment' by pausing Pinterest notifications and focusing on their schoolwork.

This large-scale test aims to reach millions of school-age users, marking Pinterest as the first tech company to implement such a proactive feature. The move is part of a broader effort to support the Kids Online Safety Act and promote phone-free school policies.

Globally, there is a growing trend towards restricting phone use in schools. New York is on the verge of implementing a statewide ban, while countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and France have already enacted similar measures.

In addition to this feature, Pinterest has announced a $1 million grant to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). This funding will support the development of policies across 12 US school districts to improve students' digital wellbeing.

Wanji Walcott, Pinterest’s chief legal and business affairs officer, emphasized the importance of collaboration between tech companies, educators, and policymakers. The goal is to ensure that smartphones serve as educational tools rather than distractions.

QuarkyByte supports these efforts by providing insights and strategic perspectives that align technology with educational goals. We believe in fostering environments where digital tools enhance learning and innovation.