Meta Introduces Instagram For Teens Under The Age Of 18
Image via Meta
Meta is tightening the reins on teen safety with a new feature for Instagram, called ‘Teen Accounts’, designed to make the social media experience more secure and private for younger users.
This new initiative comes in response to the growing chorus of concerns about social media’s impact on more impressionable minds. Teen Accounts come equipped with a suite of built-in safeguards that automatically kick in for users under 18, including preset privacy settings that limit who can interact with teens and what content they can access.
Starting next week, the platform will begin migrating existing teen users into the newly minted Teen Accounts. At the same time, new members will find themselves automatically placed into the new digital spaces.
By default, accounts are set to private, meaning teens need to approve new followers, and strangers can’t see their posts or message them. This aims to cut down on unwanted contact and online harassment, ultimately cultivating a safer space for a younger audience.
adult me loves this, but teenage me who thought she was an adult at 15 would’ve rioted https://t.co/VUSSXRviLX
— lacey ⸆⸉ ðŸ (@repusnaketion) September 17, 2024
A key part of Teen Accounts is its restriction on sensitive material. Users are automatically placed into Instagram’s most restrictive setting, shielding them from material that could be harmful, such as violent images or content promoting cosmetic procedures. At the same time, they’ll be able to explore their interests while avoiding inappropriate content.
Image via Instagram
Parents also have a role in keeping these protections in place. For users under 16, parental approval is required to loosen any privacy settings. Instagram has additionally introduced tools that allow parents to monitor their child’s activity and limit screen time.
Image via Instagram
Noting that some teens might try to bypass these protections, the social network remains adamant about age verification. Since 2022, teens attempting to change their birth date to appear older must verify their age with a video selfie or ID.
While Teen Accounts aren’t a silver bullet, these measures come at a crucial time, as social media companies face increasing scrutiny over their role in the mental health of young users. Studies have linked unmonitored social media use to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying among adolescents.
Image via Instagram
[via Associated Press, USA Today, NPR, images via various sources]
