Instagram has introduced a new ‘teen accounts’ feature designed to enhance safety and protect users under the age of 18 on the platform.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, made the announcement in a blog post on Tuesday, detailing how the feature aims to provide a more secure environment for younger users.
According to Meta, all Instagram accounts belonging to users under 18 will automatically be converted to ‘teen accounts,’ which come with privacy and safety restrictions by default.
“This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to make our platforms safer for younger users,” Meta said in its statement.
Teen accounts will be set to private by default, ensuring that only followers and existing connections can send direct messages.
Additionally, Instagram will limit the exposure of sensitive content, including violent videos and posts promoting cosmetic procedures, to protect young users.
Offensive language will also be filtered out of comments and direct message requests.
Meta highlighted that the new accounts will feature built-in time management tools to encourage healthier usage habits.
After 60 minutes of app usage each day, teenagers will receive a notification prompting them to take a break.
A “sleep mode” feature will automatically mute notifications between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., with auto-replies directing people to contact the user during daytime hours.
Parental involvement is also a key component of the new teen accounts. Users under 16 will need parental permission to alter the default privacy and safety settings, while 16 and 17-year-olds will have the option to disable the settings without parental approval.
In addition, parents will gain access to a suite of tools that allow them to monitor their children’s interactions on the platform and limit app usage.
Meta stated that the teen account feature will first roll out in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia within the next 60 days, with a global release expected by January.
“We are excited to bring these important changes to ensure a safer experience for teenagers,” Meta added, noting that other platforms under its umbrella will receive similar updates by 2025.
