In a move aimed at enhancing the online safety and privacy of younger users, Instagram has introduced a new feature called “teen accounts,” specifically designed for users under the age of 18. Meta, Instagram’s parent company, announced the rollout of this feature in a statement on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
The new teen accounts will automatically convert all accounts of users under 18 to private by default. The feature is equipped with several safeguards aimed at protecting teenagers from unwanted interactions and harmful content.
“Users will only be able to receive messages from people they already follow or have previously connected with,” Meta stated. Furthermore, Instagram will limit exposure to sensitive content, including violent material and videos promoting cosmetic procedures. Offensive words and phrases in comments and direct messages will also be filtered out.
To promote healthy usage, Instagram will implement notifications that encourage teenagers to leave the app after 60 minutes of daily use. A “sleep mode” will mute notifications between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., automatically responding to messages with a note asking users to reconnect during the day.
Meta also revealed that users under 16 will need parental permission to adjust the default settings, while those aged 16 and 17 will have the autonomy to modify their settings without approval. Parents will also have access to tools that monitor their children’s interactions and restrict app usage.
The feature is set to be introduced in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia within the next 60 days, with other countries expected to follow by January 2025. Meta has also announced plans to expand this initiative to other social media platforms under its ownership next year.
