-
Meta’s Teen Account features are now expanded to Facebook and Messenger.
-
New restrictions on Instagram Live and unwanted content in DMs for teens under 16.
-
Teen Accounts are well-received globally, with 54 million active accounts and significant parent approval.
Meta has been ramping up its efforts to create a safer online space for teens across its platforms. Instagram's recent partnership with schools to tackle bullying and enhance student safety is part of a broader commitment to improving youth experiences on social media.
Meta's latest move, as part of its overall initiative to protect children and teens, includes expanded Teen Accounts across Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger with new built-in restrictions.
Meta Is Expanding Teen Accounts Across Platforms
Meta has rolled out its Teen Accounts feature, which initially debuted on Instagram last year, to Facebook and Messenger. The expansion is designed to provide parents with more peace of mind, offering similar restrictions across these platforms. The update will first be available in the U.S., UK, Australia, and Canada, with other regions expected to follow soon.
Teen Accounts automatically come with built-in protections, such as private settings, restricted messaging abilities, and curated content filters. These measures ensure that teens only interact with people they know, offering an additional layer of safety against online predators and unwanted content. The addition of Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger marks a major step in Meta's broader initiative to safeguard young users across its social media ecosystem.
The Teen Account feature has been widely accepted by both parents and teens. As of the latest statistics, there are 54 million active Teen Accounts globally, with a strong preference for the built-in privacy settings. In a recent survey, 94% of U.S. parents said they found Teen Accounts helpful for ensuring their children’s safety, with 85% reporting that the platform made it easier for them to manage their teens' online experience.
Moreover, 97% of teens aged 13-15 have chosen to keep their default restrictions intact, indicating that the majority of young users appreciate the added protections. These findings underline the effectiveness of the Teen Accounts feature and Meta’s commitment to ensuring a positive, controlled environment for youth.
New Built-In Restrictions on Instagram
Instagram's new restrictions are specifically intended for users under 16, particularly for those engaging in live broadcasts and interacting with sensitive content in DMs. From now on, teens under 16 will not be able to start an Instagram Live broadcast without parental approval.
Image Source: Meta
Additionally, Meta will require parental consent for teens to disable the automatic blur feature for images that are flagged for containing nudity. These new protections are designed to limit exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate content.
View on Threads
In addition to all that, Teen Accounts also come with automatic reminders to leave the app after 60 minutes and muted overnight notifications, features that aim to drastically reduce teen exposure to prolonged social media usage.
The changes to Instagram's Teen Accounts are in response to feedback from both parents and child safety advocates, aiming to provide a more controlled and secure experience for younger users. Meta’s goal is to create a safer, more age-appropriate platform that empowers parents with greater control over their teen’s interactions online.
Shaping the Future of Teen Safety Across Meta Platforms
Looking ahead, Meta plans to continue enhancing Teen Account features and expanding its safety measures. The company is committed to listening to both teens and parents to fine-tune its approach to online safety, ensuring that young people have a secure, positive experience across Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. With further rollouts and ongoing improvements, Meta aims to set a new standard for social media platforms in terms of teen protection and safety.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Meta's efforts to safeguard its younger audience reflect a growing trend across the tech industry to prioritize user safety, particularly for vulnerable groups like teens. By integrating comprehensive privacy tools, parental controls, and content moderation features, Meta is taking a proactive stance in promoting a healthier, more secure online environment for all users.
