Pinterest will warn kids not to use its app during school hours

Engadget - Apr 22nd, 2025

Pinterest is implementing a new feature aimed at encouraging minors to focus on their schoolwork by reducing app usage during school hours. The platform is testing a pop-up prompt that appears to users aged 13 to 17 in the US and Canada, advising them to stop using the app and turn off notifications from 8AM to 3PM on weekdays. This large-scale test is expected to reach millions of teens, marking Pinterest as the first social media company to introduce such a proactive measure to foster healthier online habits among young users.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to limit smartphone usage in educational settings, as evidenced by various phone-free school policies gaining traction worldwide. Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has expressed support for these initiatives, paralleling steps taken by some European countries and states in the US, such as New York's forthcoming statewide ban. Additionally, Pinterest is committing $1 million to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to develop policies enhancing students' digital wellbeing, further underlining the company's dedication to promoting a healthier digital culture in schools.

The Verge Pinterest Bill Ready Teen App Usage School Hour Prompts Digital Wellbeing Phone Free School Policies International Society For Technology In Education (Iste)

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RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively reports on Pinterest's initiative to encourage minors to reduce app usage during school hours, presenting a timely and relevant topic within the context of digital wellbeing and educational policy. It is accurate and well-supported by credible sources, but it lacks depth in terms of alternative perspectives and critical analysis. The story is clear and engaging, but could benefit from greater transparency about the initiative's implementation and more diverse viewpoints to enhance its impact and public interest. Overall, it provides a solid foundation for understanding Pinterest's efforts, but leaves room for further exploration of the broader implications and potential controversies.

Accuracy

The news story is largely accurate, as it provides verifiable details about Pinterest's testing of a new prompt aimed at minors during school hours. The claim that Pinterest is the first tech company to institute such a feature is specific to social media platforms, as similar reminders have existed in gaming devices, which adds context to the claim. The story accurately reports Pinterest's initiative to encourage students to stay off the app during school hours, targeting ages 13-17 in the US and Canada. The mention of Pinterest CEO Bill Ready's support for phone-free school policies and the $1 million grant to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is also corroborated by credible sources. However, the article could benefit from more detailed verification of the scale of the initiative, such as specifics about how the "millions" of minors are reached.

Balance

The article presents a predominantly positive view of Pinterest's initiative, emphasizing the company's proactive approach to digital wellbeing. It mentions the support of phone-free school policies and the grant to ISTE, which frames Pinterest as a socially responsible corporation. However, the article does not explore potential criticisms or alternative perspectives, such as privacy concerns or the effectiveness of such prompts. Including viewpoints from educators, parents, or digital wellbeing experts could provide a more rounded perspective.

Clarity

The article is written in clear and straightforward language, making it easy to understand. It effectively communicates the key points of Pinterest's initiative and the company's broader goals. However, the structure could be improved by providing more context upfront about the broader debate on digital wellbeing and phone usage in schools, which would help readers grasp the significance of Pinterest's actions more quickly.

Source quality

The story cites The Verge as the primary source, which is a reputable technology news outlet known for its reliable reporting. The article also references statements from Pinterest and its CEO, adding credibility. However, the story could enhance its source quality by including input from independent experts or educators to corroborate the claims about the effectiveness of digital wellbeing initiatives.

Transparency

The article provides a clear outline of Pinterest's initiative and the company's motivations, but it lacks transparency in terms of the methodology behind the feature's implementation. Details such as how the prompt is triggered, the criteria for selecting the 'millions' of minors, or the specific goals of the ISTE grant are not disclosed. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the story's credibility and allow readers to better understand the scope and impact of the initiative.