Instagram, owned by Meta, has introduced a new feature called “Teen Accounts” to improve the safety of its young users and give parents more control over their children’s social media experience. The move comes in response to increasing concerns from lawmakers and parents regarding the safety of teenagers online, as well as the growing risks associated with prolonged social media use.
Enhanced Privacy for Teens
With “Teen Accounts,” all Instagram users under the age of 18 will have their accounts set to private by default. This means teens will only be able to interact with people they follow, and new followers will need approval. Strangers won’t be able to send them direct messages (DMs) or tag them in photos or comments unless they are connected. The feature also filters offensive language in DMs and comments, further protecting teens from harmful interactions. These restrictions aim to significantly reduce teens’ exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate content, especially from unknown individuals(Tech Times)
Content Restrictions
The feature also includes enhanced content control measures. Instagram is taking steps to prevent teen users from viewing sensitive or risky content on the Explore page or in Reels. This includes content related to cosmetic surgeries, self-harm, and other harmful themes. Teens will need parental consent to modify these settings, ensuring that parents can oversee the content their children are exposed to. These changes are part of Instagram’s broader push to create a safer, more controlled online environment for teenagers
Screen Time and Mental Health Measures
In a bid to address concerns about social media’s impact on mental health, Instagram has introduced features to help manage screen time for teenagers. Notifications will be sent to remind users to close the app after an hour of use, and “sleep mode” will automatically be activated from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. during which the app will be restricted. This step is particularly aimed at reducing overexposure to the platform, a common issue linked to anxiety and other mental health problems among teenagers(NewsBytes).
Expanded Parental Controls
Parents are also given more authority with the introduction of this feature. They can now monitor their teen’s activity, such as who they are messaging, without being able to read the actual content of the messages. Parents can also set daily time limits and block access to Instagram during certain hours, offering an additional layer of control over how and when their children use the platform.
Global Rollout
The feature will initially roll out in English-speaking countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, with plans to expand globally in the near future. These updates have been developed in consultation with online safety experts, making it a significant step toward safeguarding younger users amid growing scrutiny of social media platforms
By combining stronger privacy measures, better content moderation, and increased parental control, Instagram’s “Teen Accounts” represent a major effort to protect teens online while addressing both parent and regulatory concerns.
Comments 3