Instagram has introduced new safety features for its younger users, particularly those under 18, with the launch of “Teen Accounts.”
Starting today and rolling out globally in the coming months, these updates are designed to address concerns about online safety and the impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health.
One of the most notable features of Teen Accounts is that they will be private by default, meaning users who don’t follow the teens won’t be able to see their content or interact with them.
Additionally, messaging restrictions will prevent unsolicited contact, as teens will only be able to receive messages from people they follow or are already connected to.
Instagram is also implementing protections to limit teenagers’ exposure to harmful content.
The platform will use filters to hide offensive language and restrict access to sensitive material such as violent images or content promoting cosmetic procedures.
Moreover, the platform has introduced time management tools, including reminders after 60 minutes of use and a sleep mode that automatically mutes notifications between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
These new features represent a shift in Instagram’s approach to protecting younger users, empowering parents to have more control over their teens’ online activity.
Teens under 16 will now require parental permission to relax any of the default privacy settings, a move praised by child advocacy groups like the National Parent Teacher Association.
However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on Instagram’s ability to accurately verify users’ ages, an area where social media platforms have struggled in the past.
Instagram acknowledged this challenge and announced that it plans to implement new technology to identify teen accounts, even when users provide false birthdays.
This initiative follows Instagram’s previous efforts to protect teens, such as the introduction of the “Take a Break” feature in 2021, which encouraged teens to take regular breaks from the app.
The platform’s decision to prioritize mental health comes in response to public concerns, especially after whistleblower Frances Haugen revealed that internal research showed Instagram’s potential harm to teenagers, particularly young girls.
With these changes, Instagram hopes to create a safer and more supportive environment for teens, although the platform’s long-term success will rely on its ability to effectively implement and enforce these new features.