NAIROBI, Kenya- Meta Platforms is taking a big step toward protecting its youngest users on Instagram.
In a sweeping update, the tech giant is rolling out enhanced privacy and parental controls for users under 18, aiming to address rising concerns about the negative impacts of social media on teens.
Starting now, all designated Instagram accounts for those under 18 will automatically be moved to “Teen Accounts.”
What does that mean? These accounts will be private by default, making it harder for random strangers to message or tag young users.
Only accounts they follow or are already connected with can interact with them. Sensitive content filters will also be set to the most restrictive level, limiting exposure to potentially harmful content.
But that’s not all. For users under 16, changing these privacy settings will require a parent’s permission, adding another layer of control.
To help parents further, Meta is introducing a suite of tools to monitor their children’s online interactions and even limit app usage.
This update comes as social media platforms face increased scrutiny over their impact on youth. Numerous studies have linked excessive social media use to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and learning difficulties in teenagers.
In response, Meta’s move seems to be a direct attempt to address these concerns and demonstrate a commitment to user safety.
Meta, along with platforms like TikTok and YouTube, is currently facing hundreds of lawsuits filed by parents and school districts over the addictive nature of their platforms.
Moreover, pressure from lawmakers led Meta to abandon a teen-specific version of Instagram back in 2021.
In addition to privacy upgrades, Meta is introducing a feature that nudges under-18 users to log off Instagram after 60 minutes each day.
To ensure teens get enough downtime, accounts will also come with a default “sleep mode,” silencing notifications overnight. These changes are part of a broader effort to promote healthier app use among young people.
The rollout is set to start within 60 days in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia, followed by an introduction to the European Union later this year. Teens worldwide will begin experiencing the new “Teen Accounts” feature in January.
Meta’s decision to bolster privacy and safety for teens on Instagram is a crucial move in an era where digital well-being is increasingly under the spotlight.
While this may not completely address the complex challenges of social media for young users, it’s a step in the right direction.
As these new controls come into effect, the real question is: Will they be enough to change how teens interact with social media? Only time will tell.
