Meta enhances protections on Instagram teen accounts, to extend feature Facebook and Messenger

IANS April 11, 2025 276 views

Meta is revolutionizing online safety for teenagers by introducing comprehensive account protections on Instagram. The new features automatically limit interactions, filter sensitive content, and require parental approval for key settings. With 54 million teen accounts worldwide, these initiatives aim to create a safer digital environment for young users. The company's global public policy director emphasizes their commitment to balancing self-expression with built-in safeguards.

"Young people deserve safe, age-appropriate online experiences" - Tara Hopkins, Instagram Global Public Policy Director
Meta enhances protections on Instagram teen accounts, to extend feature Facebook and Messenger
New Delhi, April 11: Social media giant Meta on Friday announced the next phase of its teenage safety initiatives in India, with enhanced built-in protections on Instagram.

Key Points

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Meta introduces enhanced safety features for teenage Instagram accounts

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Parental supervision tools now available across platforms

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54 million teens worldwide using protected accounts

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Automatic safety settings limit interactions and content exposure

The company also introduced additional protections whereby teenagers under 16 will no longer be able to go live or disable filters that block unwanted images in direct messages without a parent's approval.

It also announced plans "to extend Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger later this year".

"These accounts will feature similar safeguards, including protection from unwanted contact, reduced exposure to sensitive content and tools for managing time spent in-app," the company said.

Further, parents will be able to supervise how their teenagers interact across Meta apps, it added.

Instagram Teen Accounts are designed to offer a safer, and more age-appropriate experience for young users, while giving parents more oversight and peace of mind.

Over 54 million teenagers now use Instagram Teen Accounts worldwide since the initial rollout began in September 2024.

"Young people deserve safe, age-appropriate online experiences, and these updates are part of our long-term commitment to building platforms that prioritise their well-being. When we launched Teen Accounts on Instagram last year, our aim was to create technology that balances self-expression with built-in protections," said Tara Hopkins, Global Director of Public Policy, Instagram.

"In India -- home to one of the world's largest youth populations and a diverse creator community, we will continue to listen to the needs of both teenagers and parents. We are very encouraged that 97 per cent of teenagers aged 13 to 15 have stayed within these protective settings globally," she added.

Instagram Teen Accounts come with built-in safety features that limit who can interact with teenagers and what kind of content they can see.

These settings are automatically applied, and teenagers under the age of 16 require parental permission to make them less strict.

Key features of these protections include default private account settings, restrictions on who can message, tag, or mention teenagers and content filters that reduce exposure to potentially harmful or sensitive material.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
This is such a positive step! As a parent, I really appreciate these built-in protections. My 14-year-old loves Instagram but I worry about who might contact her. The parental approval requirement gives me peace of mind. 👍
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Rahul S.
Interesting move, but I wonder how effective this will be. Teens are tech-savvy and might find workarounds. Still, it's good to see Meta taking responsibility for younger users' safety.
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Ananya P.
As a teacher, I've seen firsthand how social media affects teens. These protections are long overdue! The content filters are especially important - too many kids get exposed to harmful material too young. 👏
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Vikram J.
While I appreciate the intention, I'm concerned about privacy. Requiring parental approval for basic settings might discourage some teens from being honest about their accounts. There should be a balance between safety and independence.
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Sneha M.
The 97% statistic is impressive! Shows that most teens actually want these protections. Maybe we adults should stop assuming they always want unrestricted access. Good job, Meta! 💯
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Arjun T.
Finally! I've been waiting for these features to come to Facebook and Messenger. My little brother spends way too much time scrolling, so the time management tools will be super helpful for my parents.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Meta Instagram Teen Safety Social Media Parental Controls India Online Protection
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