Meta, the parent company of Instagram has introduced a new feature called “Teen Accounts” aimed at enhancing the safety and wellbeing of young users of the app.
Teen Accounts will automatically switch on privacy settings for all users under 18, restricting messages from unknown individuals and limiting access to sensitive content.
The update, announced by parent company Meta on Tuesday, aims to create a safer environment for teenagers on the platform.
With Teen Accounts, users will only receive messages from those they already follow or are connected to, while violent material and videos promoting cosmetic procedures will be restricted.
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Also, offensive words and phrases will be filtered out of comments and direct message requests.
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It was revealed that a new feature will also encourage teenagers to take breaks from the app after 60 minutes of daily usage, while a ‘sleep mode’ will mute notifications between 10 pm and 7 am.
Users under 16 will require parental consent to modify default settings, while those aged 16 and 17 can disable settings without parental approval.
Consequently, parents will also have access to tools allowing them to monitor their child’s activity and set limits on app usage.
The feature is set to roll out in the United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), Canada, and Australia within 60 days, with other countries following by January.
Interestingly, Meta has also announced plans to introduce teen accounts to its other social media platforms in 2025.
