Meta Platforms is introducing significant privacy and parental control updates for Instagram accounts belonging to users under 18.
This move aims to address growing concerns about the potential negative impacts of social media on young people.
All designated Instagram accounts of users under 18 will automatically be converted to “Teen Accounts,” which are private by default.
“We’ll automatically place teens into Teen Accounts, and teens under 16 will need a parent’s permission to change any of these settings to be less strict,” says Meta.
These accounts have stricter privacy settings, limiting direct messaging and tagging to only those who follow the account or are already connected.
Additionally, sensitive content settings are set to the most restrictive level.
Parents of users under 16 can monitor their children’s interactions and limit app usage through a suite of parental controls. These features include the ability to view who their child is engaging with, set daily time limits, and even block Instagram usage during specific periods.
Key Changes
- Privacy: All teen accounts will be private by default.
- Direct Messaging: Only approved followers can send direct messages.
- Sensitive Content: Stricter controls on sensitive content.
- Parental Controls: Parents can monitor and limit app usage.
- Time Limits: Daily usage limits and sleep mode.
Several studies have linked social media use to increased levels of depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities, particularly among young users.
Meta, along with TikTok and YouTube, is facing numerous lawsuits filed on behalf of children and school districts alleging the addictive nature of social media.
The U.S. Senate recently advanced two online safety bills, the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act, which would hold social media companies accountable for the impact of their platforms on children and teens.
As part of the update, under-18 Instagram users will receive notifications reminding them to close the app after using it for 60 minutes.
A default sleep mode will also be enabled to silence notifications overnight.
Meta plans to implement these changes for users in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia within 60 days.
The rollout will extend to the European Union later this year, and teens worldwide can expect to have teen accounts by January.
Meta Rolls Out Privacy Updates for Teenagers on Instagram, Facebook
