Instagram is taking steps to make its platform safer for teenagers by implementing new privacy features. Users under the age of 18 in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia will now have their accounts set to private by default. These accounts, known as “teen accounts,” will have restricted features and more parental oversight to address concerns such as exposure to unwanted content, contact with strangers, and excessive time spent on the app. Existing Instagram users under 18 in these countries will also be migrated to teen accounts over the next 60 days.
In addition to being private by default, teen accounts will only be able to receive messages from people they follow or are already connected to. The platform will also limit “sensitive content,” such as violence and videos promoting cosmetic procedures. Instagram will send notifications to teen accounts if the user is online for more than 60 minutes and will include a “sleep mode” that automatically mutes notifications between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Parents will have access to settings to monitor their children’s online interactions, including seeing who is messaging their teen and who their teen is following or being followed by.
The new teen accounts are designed to give parents more control over their children’s social media usage and help teens stay safe online. By providing parents with visibility into their teen’s online activities, they can have conversations with their children about any bullying or harassment they may encounter. These settings can also help parents guide their teens through difficult situations online and ensure they are engaging with appropriate content and individuals.
All users under the age of 18 will automatically be given teen accounts, but teens aged 16 and 17 will have the option to disable the restrictions in their account settings. However, children aged 15 and under will require their parents’ permission to do so. This added layer of parental oversight aims to give parents peace of mind knowing that their children are using Instagram in a safe and responsible manner. Instagram’s parent company Meta hopes that these changes will make the platform a more secure and positive environment for young users.
Overall, Instagram’s decision to make teenagers’ accounts private by default and introduce teen accounts with restricted features is a step in the right direction towards creating a safer online space for young people. By addressing concerns such as exposure to inappropriate content, contact with strangers, and excessive screen time, Instagram is taking proactive measures to protect its younger users. With the added parental oversight features, parents can be more involved in monitoring their children’s online activities and guiding them through any challenges they may face. These changes demonstrate Instagram’s commitment to promoting online safety and well-being for all users, especially teenagers.
