Instagram Introduces Private Teen Accounts to Boost Child Safety
In response to growing concerns over social media’s impact on young users, Instagram is rolling out significant changes to make the platform safer for teens. Starting September 24, new users under 18 in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia will automatically have private, restrictive accounts. Existing accounts for teens will follow suit over the next 60 days.
Why Instagram is Making Teen Accounts Private
Social media giant Meta, Instagram’s parent company, is addressing three major concerns raised by parents:
- Teens are being exposed to inappropriate content.
- Unwanted contact from strangers.
- Excessive time spent on the platform.
To tackle these, Instagram’s teen accounts will:
- Default to private settings.
- Restrict direct messages to followers only.
- Limit exposure to sensitive content, such as cosmetic procedure promotions or violent videos.
- Introduce notifications for screen time beyond 60 minutes.
- Enable a “sleep mode” from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. that silences notifications.
Enhanced Age Verification to Protect Teens
Meta acknowledges that some teens might falsify their age. The company is developing technology to automatically identify and move such accounts into restrictive teen settings to combat this.
Addressing Mental Health Concerns
Meta’s new measures come amid criticism of social media’s role in the youth mental health crisis. Unlike past efforts, these updates aim to strike a balance by prioritising safety without significant side effects.
Parental Controls: A Step Forward
Parents now have more tools to monitor their children’s online activity. Teens under 16 will need parental approval to change their account settings. Through Meta’s Family Center, parents can:
- See who is messaging their teen.
- Monitor their teen’s followers and interactions.
- Set time limits for Instagram usage.
Critics Call for Stronger Regulations
While Meta’s announcement is a step forward, critics argue it falls short of meaningful oversight. Advocacy groups and lawmakers stress the need for independent regulations to ensure comprehensive safety for young users.
A Long Road Ahead
As Meta faces lawsuits over its alleged role in the youth mental health crisis, these changes mark an effort to rebuild trust. However, experts and policymakers agree that more robust measures are needed to protect children in the evolving digital landscape
Final Thoughts
Instagram’s move to make teen accounts private is an important first step in creating a safer online space for young users. However, the journey to fully safeguard children on social media is far from over.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
