Instagram has rolled out a new feature called “teen accounts,” designed to enhance safety for users under 18. Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, shared this news in a blog post on Tuesday.
All accounts for users under 18 will automatically transition to these teen accounts, with default privacy settings activated. This means that teens will only receive messages from people they follow or are already connected to.
Additionally, the platform will limit access to “sensitive content,” such as violent material and videos related to cosmetic procedures, and it will filter out offensive language in comments and direct message requests.
A new feature will prompt teenagers to take a break after 60 minutes of daily use. Furthermore, a “sleep mode” will mute notifications from 10 PM to 7 AM, automatically replying to messages and suggesting that contacts reach out during the day.
Users under 16 will need parental consent to change default settings, while those aged 16 and 17 can modify them independently. Parents will also have tools to monitor their children’s activity and set usage limits.
The feature is expected to start rolling out within 60 days in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, with a wider launch in other countries by January. Meta plans to introduce teen accounts on its other social media platforms in 2025.
