Meta Platforms is introducing enhanced privacy settings and parental controls for Instagram accounts of users under 18, marking a significant overhaul aimed at addressing growing concerns about the negative impacts of social media on young people.
This update seeks to prioritize the safety and well-being of teens on the platform, particularly in response to the increasing scrutiny social media companies have faced over the years.
As part of this update, all Instagram accounts designated for users under 18 will be automatically converted to “Teen Accounts,” which will be set to private by default.
This means that teens can only be messaged or tagged by people they follow or are already connected with. Additionally, the platform will adjust sensitive content settings to the most restrictive level available, ensuring that young users are shielded from inappropriate or harmful material.
For users under 16, changing these default settings will require parental permission, giving parents greater control over their children’s online activities.
Moreover, parents will gain access to a suite of tools that allow them to monitor who their children are engaging with on Instagram and place limits on their usage of the app. These parental controls aim to provide peace of mind for families concerned about their children’s online safety.
This overhaul comes in response to multiple studies that have shown a correlation between social media use and increased rates of depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities, particularly among young users.
Meta, along with other tech giants like ByteDance’s TikTok and Google’s YouTube, has been the subject of numerous lawsuits filed by children and school districts.
These lawsuits have accused social media platforms of fostering addictive behavior and failing to adequately address the negative consequences their platforms can have on young users.
Last year, 33 U.S. states, including California and New York, sued Meta for allegedly misleading the public about the dangers of its platforms.
Historically, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have allowed users as young as 13 to sign up. However, Meta’s latest move comes three years after the company abandoned a project aimed at creating a version of Instagram specifically for teenagers.
Lawmakers and advocacy groups urged Meta to drop the project, citing significant safety concerns for younger users.
In July, the U.S. Senate took further steps to regulate online platforms with the advancement of two key bills: The Kids Online Safety Act and The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act.
These bills are designed to hold social media companies accountable for the effects their platforms have on young people and ensure that online safety is a priority.
As part of Instagram’s new teen account features, users under 18 will receive notifications after using the app for 60 minutes each day, reminding them to take a break. The accounts will also have a default sleep mode that silences notifications overnight, encouraging healthier usage patterns.
Meta announced that the rollout of teen accounts will take place over the next 60 days in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia, with the European Union following later this year. Globally, teens are expected to start receiving these updates in January.
The company hopes these changes will provide a safer environment for its younger users and address concerns about social media’s impact on mental health and well-being.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
