Instagram Launches New Teen Accounts with Enhanced Protections
- Content Restrictions: Teens will be limited in the type of content they can access, particularly content related to violence and self-harm. Sensitive content controls will be set to the strictest settings by default.
- Privacy by Default: Accounts for teens under 18 will automatically be set to private. This means they’ll need to approve new followers, and only people they already follow can tag or mention them.
- Messaging Limits: Direct messaging will also be restricted. Only users teens already follow or are connected to can send them messages, adding an extra layer of protection against unwanted contact.
- Hidden Words Feature: Instagram will automatically enable the most restrictive version of its Hidden Words feature to filter offensive comments and direct message requests. This helps in reducing online bullying.
- Time Management: Instagram is introducing time limits to help teens manage their screen time. After 60 minutes of usage, teens will get a notification reminding them to take a break. Sleep Mode will automatically activate between 10 PM and 7 AM, muting notifications and auto-replying to direct messages.
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Instagram has rolled out new Teen Accounts aimed at providing better safety and privacy for younger users. These accounts will automatically apply restrictions on what teens can see, who can contact them, and how they interact on the platform.
Parental Involvement
For teens under 16, parental permission is required to reduce the default protection settings. Parents can also enable supervision for older teens, gaining insights into their teen’s Instagram activities, such as who they’ve messaged in the past week. However, they won’t be able to read the messages themselves. Parents will also have control over setting time limits and viewing the type of content their teen interacts with.
Tackling Age Misrepresentation
Instagram is also working on technology to identify teens who might lie about their age to access adult accounts. AI technology will be developed to detect these cases and prompt users to verify their age. Testing for this feature will begin in the US in 2025.
Global Rollout Plan
Starting today, new Instagram accounts for teens will automatically be placed into Teen Accounts. Existing accounts will begin transitioning within the next 60 days in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. In Europe, the transition will happen later in the year, and worldwide changes are expected by January 2024. Meta plans to extend these features to other platforms as well.
Why These Changes Matter
These updates come as social media companies face increasing pressure from regulators to protect younger users. Governments around the world are introducing laws requiring platforms to take stronger action against harmful content targeting teens. The US and UK have proposed or enacted legislation to protect children and teens online, such as the Online Safety Act and Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).
Meta's move follows a wave of concern from regulators and lawsuits over the impact of social media on teen mental health. With these new protections, Instagram is aiming to create a safer and more controlled environment for younger users.
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