Instagram has introduced a new “Teen Accounts” feature to enhance protection and parental control for teenage users. With this update, parents can now monitor their children’s activities on the platform, protect them from inappropriate content, and limit interactions with strangers. This move is part of Instagram’s broader effort to create a safer environment for younger users.
Automatic Activation for Teen Users
Teen Accounts are automatically activated for all users under the age of 16. These accounts come with restrictions on user interactions, content access, and time spent in the app. The company plans to transition all existing and new teen accounts to this mode in the coming months, starting in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Instagram has implemented several built-in security mechanisms. For example, teenagers will only receive messages from people they follow or have previously communicated with, such as via Facebook Messenger. Additionally, tagging teens in photos or comments will be restricted, and an automatic filter will be applied to private messages and comments to block obscene language. Access to specific content, like certain types of videos in the “Recommendations” and “Reels” sections, will also be limited to provide a safer experience.
New Parental Controls and Time Management
To address concerns about excessive use of the app, Instagram has introduced a “Sleep Mode” feature, which disables notifications between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The app will also remind teens to take a break after using it for an hour. Parents can further manage their child’s time on Instagram by setting their own limits or even blocking access during specific hours. Previously, Instagram only gently encouraged teens to close the app if used late at night.
With these enhanced parental controls, parents will have greater oversight of their children’s Instagram activity. While they can see who their child has communicated with in the past week, they won’t be able to read the messages themselves. Parents will also have the ability to view the topics their teens have subscribed to in the “Recommendations” section, ensuring the content is more relevant and appropriate. We’ll keep you updated as more features are rolled out.
However, it’s worth noting that the app’s algorithms may still suggest content outside of a user’s chosen topics if it detects heightened interest in other areas, adds NIX Solutions. Instagram’s changes come amidst growing criticism from lawmakers and the public, accusing social networks of not doing enough to protect minors. Some have even proposed banning teenagers from using social media without parental consent.
While the new rules provide significant improvements in teen safety, they will not prevent users from bypassing restrictions if they falsify their age during registration. Instagram plans to introduce the “Teen Accounts” feature on other Meta platforms in the future, further expanding the reach of its protective measures. We’ll keep you updated on any developments.