Meta is taking significant steps to make Instagram safer for teens. With new rules and features, the social media giant is focusing on protecting users under 18. From stricter privacy settings to giving parents more control, Meta aims to ensure that teenagers can enjoy social media while minimizing the risks. In an age where concerns about mental health and digital well-being are growing, these changes reflect Meta’s commitment to fostering a safer, more positive space for young users. The introduction of usage limits, sleep mode, and enhanced parental oversight is just the beginning of a broader shift toward prioritizing teen safety on Instagram.
Why Meta is Updating Instagram for Teens
Social media has been under fire lately, especially for its impact on teenagers. Studies have linked platforms like Instagram to issues such as anxiety and depression among young users. Meta has responded by revamping Instagram’s settings for teens. The goal is simple: give teenagers a safer experience online while making sure parents can play a bigger role in managing their kids’ digital lives.
Default Privacy Settings for Teen Accounts
One of the major changes is that all Instagram accounts for teens under 18 will now be private by default. This means that only people they approve can follow them, see their posts, or send them messages. This is a big move toward protecting teens from unwanted attention and reducing their exposure to harmful content or strangers online.
For teens under 16, changing these default settings will require parental approval, adding an extra layer of security.
Parents Get More Control Over Teen Accounts
Meta is also giving parents more authority when it comes to their teen’s Instagram account. Parents will now be able to see who their kids are chatting with and can set limits on who they interact with. This gives parents the power to monitor their teens’ social media activity without reading their private messages, making sure that their child is engaging with safe and appropriate people online.
In addition, parents will be able to approve changes to certain settings, like making accounts less private.
Limiting Screen Time and Introducing Sleep Mode
Another key feature is the introduction of a 60-minute daily usage reminder. Instagram will now send teens a notification after they’ve been on the app for an hour, encouraging them to take a break. This is designed to help teens manage their screen time better and ensure they are not spending too much time on social media.
On top of that, a new “sleep mode” feature will mute all Instagram notifications between 10 PM and 7 AM. This prevents late-night distractions and helps teens get a better night’s sleep without constantly checking their phones.
Protecting Teens From Sensitive Content
Teens will also be shielded from sensitive or inappropriate content. Instagram is tightening its filters to make sure young users aren’t exposed to content that could be harmful, such as violent videos or posts promoting dangerous behaviors like self-harm.
The platform will automatically apply the strictest content restrictions to teens’ accounts, meaning they’ll see less of this kind of material on their feeds, in Explore, and in Reels.
Making Sure Teens Interact Safely
In addition to the privacy and content filters, Instagram will now limit who can tag or mention teens in posts. Only people they follow will be able to do so, ensuring that teens aren’t bombarded with unwanted attention from strangers or cyberbullies.
Meta is also strengthening its anti-bullying tools. For example, Instagram’s Hidden Words feature will be turned on by default, filtering out offensive language from comments and direct messages that teens receive.
Global Rollout of Teen Accounts
These updates will roll out first in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Over the next two months, teens in these countries will be automatically moved into the new Instagram Teen Accounts. The rest of the world, including the European Union, will follow by January 2025.
Meta has confirmed that these changes will eventually extend to its other platforms as well, meaning even more teens will benefit from these new protections.
Meta’s new Instagram Teen Accounts represent a significant step forward in making social media safer for young users. By introducing default privacy settings, giving parents more control, and protecting teens from harmful content, Meta is directly addressing concerns about the negative impact social media can have on teenagers’ mental health. Studies have shown the harmful effects of online interactions, from bullying to the promotion of unrealistic body standards, leading to anxiety and depression among teens. These changes aim to curb that by limiting who can contact teens and what they can see on the platform. As these features roll out worldwide, teens and their parents can look forward to a more secure and positive experience online, making Instagram not just a space for fun but a safer and more supportive environment.