Instagram has introduced updates aiming to improve the safety and privacy of teenagers on its platform. Owned by Meta, Instagram is rolling out “Teen Accounts,” which implement various protections for users under the age of 18. The move addresses growing concerns about the potential risks minors face on social networks.
Strengthening Privacy and Notification Control
The platform is adjusting all accounts of those under 18 to private by default, limiting visibility of posts to approved followers only. Another feature, “Sleep Mode,” will silence notifications for young users between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The initiative is part of an effort to create a safer environment for adolescents online.
Instagram is also introducing features to assist parents in overseeing their children's online interactions. These tools provide insights into which profiles teens engage with. Adam Mosseri, Instagram's chief, emphasized these additions aim to address worries about both unwanted interactions and screen time. Parents will have new options to set Sleep Mode schedules and access a list of who their child has messaged recently, although message content remains confidential.
Filtering Content and Suggestions
The platform's updated policy restricts the types of materials viewable on Explore and Reels for teenagers. Teens can now opt for content related to safe topics like sports and travel for their recommendations. Instagram will also prompt teens to take breaks from the app, promoting more balanced usage.
To ensure compliance with these new measures, Instagram is leveraging artificial intelligence for age verification. The technology identifies inconsistencies, such as users claiming adulthood while evidence suggests a younger age. This approach is designed to maintain accuracy in determining ages and applying appropriate settings.
“Teen Accounts” is initially available in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, with plans to extend to Europe later in the year. New users will experience these updates first, with existing users following shortly after. Meta plans to integrate these features into its broader digital ecosystem by 2025.
These developments come as social media platforms face increased examination regarding their effects on adolescent mental health. Instagram has previously launched multiple safety features aimed at young users and pledged to support research into its impacts. Despite these initiatives, there is continued pressure from policymakers in nearly 40 US states advocating for warning labels on such platforms.
Related: How to Disconnect Facebook from Instagram on iPhone or Android to Stop Cross-Posting
With the integration between Instagram and Facebook, users can cross-post content, share stories, and streamline their social media experience. However, you might want to maintain a degree of separation between these platforms for privacy reasons or to manage your content differently on each platform. In our other guide, we show you how to disconnect Facebook from Instagram to stop cross-sharing of posts and stories and how you can disable this without unlinking both social networks.
Last Updated on September 20, 2024 12:36 pm CEST