Meta has introduced “teen accounts” for Facebook and Messenger, following the same privacy model implemented earlier on Instagram. These accounts come with mandatory parental controls and strict limitations on who teens can interact with. Age-appropriate users will automatically transition to this account type, with built-in safeguards aimed at creating a more secure online environment.
This move mirrors changes made on Instagram last fall, where over 54 million teens aged 13 to 15 were moved to more private accounts by default. Facebook and Messenger will now adopt similar protections. Teens will not be able to modify key privacy settings on their own, and they will be prevented from interacting with users outside their approved contacts unless given permission by their parents.
Parental Control and New Safety Features
The update gives parents greater oversight, including the ability to monitor time spent on the apps and manage the teen’s friend list. In parallel, Meta is introducing new safety features specifically for Instagram. Users under the age of 16 will now require parental consent to start live streams. Additionally, a previously optional setting that blurs potentially explicit images—the anti-nudity feature—can no longer be disabled without parental approval.
These updates are part of Meta’s broader efforts to provide a safer and more age-appropriate experience for younger users across its platforms, notes NIX Solutions. The company emphasizes the importance of balancing privacy and parental involvement, while continuing to evolve its safety standards.
While these changes are currently rolling out, Meta plans to refine and expand these controls based on user feedback and ongoing research. We’ll keep you updated as more integrations and improvements become available.