TikTok added new tools to allow parents to restrict and control teenagers' access, a move meant to address widespread fears about unhealthy social media habits and the threat of government regulation or even banishment.

The company announced on Wednesday that it was adding additional restrictions to its features, including a preset 60-minute screen-time limit for users 18 and under. Teenagers wishing to use the feature for longer than 60 minutes would be prompted to input a passcode to make them aware of the time spent using the app. This new feature comes as a bipartisan collection of lawmakers pushes for a national ban on the app because of its affiliation with China.

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"We believe digital experiences should bring joy and play a positive role in how people express themselves, discover ideas, and connect," TikTok head of trust and safety Cormac Keenan wrote in a post.

TikTok also added improved Family Pairing features to make parents aware of how much their children use the app. This feature also allows the parent to mute notifications and set custom time limits.

TikTok's new parental features will be implemented while the company faces additional scrutiny from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle over its spying on users and its affiliation with the Chinese Communist Party.

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TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is set to speak before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Mar. 23.

The White House has negotiated with TikTok leadership to ensure the company protected user data in the United States, but discussions have not progressed. Congress has also pushed for a national ban on the app, with the House Foreign Affairs Committee posed to advance relevant legislation on Wednesday.