Instagram is enhancing protections for Teen Accounts, particularly for users under 16, who will now require parental permission to go Live or disable protections against unwanted images in direct messages (DMs). The platform is also expanding these Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger, aiming to provide a consistent and safe experience across Meta’s apps.
Since the introduction of Teen Accounts, which automatically place users into a protected environment, 97% of teens aged 13-15 have retained their default restrictions. These accounts limit who can contact teens and the content they can view, ensuring a safer experience. New restrictions will be implemented in the coming months, prohibiting teens under 16 from going Live without parental consent and requiring permission to turn off the blurring feature for suspected nudity in DMs.
The rollout of Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger will mirror the protections found on Instagram, aiming to enhance parental peace of mind. Currently, there are over 54 million active Teen Accounts globally, with features such as private accounts, strict content controls, overnight notifications turned off, and reminders to limit app usage.
Feedback from parents indicates strong support for Teen Accounts, with 94% finding them helpful and 85% believing they facilitate positive experiences for their teens. Over 90% of parents view the default protections as beneficial. Instagram is committed to continuing improvements to ensure a safe environment for teens across its platforms.
