Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of teenage users on its platform. The company is rolling out specialized Instagram accounts for teens that come equipped with built-in safeguards designed to protect young users from potentially harmful content and interactions.
These new Teen Accounts will automatically limit who can contact the user, filter the content they see, and provide new avenues for teens to explore their interests safely. For users under 16, any reduction in these protective measures will require parental consent, ensuring that younger teens remain shielded from potential online risks.
The initial rollout of these enhanced accounts will take place over the next 60 days in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Meta plans to expand this feature globally in January, with further implementation across other Meta platforms scheduled for 2025.
Metas decision to introduce these safeguards stems from growing concerns about the impact of social media on young users. The company acknowledges parents worries about their children encountering mature or inappropriate content online and has implemented stricter content rules for teen users.
One key feature of the new Teen Accounts is the default private setting. This applies to both new and existing accounts, requiring users under 16 (and new users under 18) to approve new followers. Non-followers will be unable to view or interact with the teens content, providing an additional layer of privacy.
