Instagram Teen Accounts: New safety features for young users unveiled
Instagram introduces Teen Accounts with built-in protections, empowering parents and enhancing safety for teenage users.
Instagram has unveiled a new feature aimed at enhancing the safety and experience of teenage users on its platform. Announced on September 17, 2024, Instagram Teen Accounts introduce built-in protections designed to address parental concerns while allowing teens to explore their interests in a more controlled environment.
Key features of Instagram teen accounts
Instagram Teen Accounts come with several default settings aimed at protecting younger users:
- Private accounts: Automatically set for users under 16, requiring approval for new followers.
- Messaging restrictions: Limits communication to followers and existing connections.
- Sensitive content filters: Applies the strictest settings to reduce exposure to potentially inappropriate material.
- Limited interactions: Restricts tagging and mentions to followers only.
- Time management tools: Includes reminders after 60 minutes of daily use and a "Sleep Mode" feature.
Luís Rijo
Parental oversight and control
The new system empowers parents with greater control over their children's Instagram experience:
- Teens under 16 require parental permission to modify protective settings.
- Parents can monitor messaging activity, set daily time limits, and block usage during specific periods.
- A feature allowing parents to view topics of interest to their teens is in development.
Luís Rijo
Age verification and enforcement
Instagram is implementing measures to ensure the effectiveness of Teen Accounts:
- Developing technology to identify accounts likely belonging to teens, even if registered with an adult birthdate.
- Planning to test this technology in the United States in early 2025.
Rollout schedule
The introduction of Teen Accounts will occur in phases:
- September 2024: New sign-ups begin receiving Teen Accounts.
- Within 60 days: Existing teen users in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia to be moved to Teen Accounts.
- Late 2024: Implementation in the European Union.
- January 2025: Global rollout begins.
Expert opinions
Several experts have commented on the introduction of Instagram Teen Accounts:
Yvonne Johnson, President of the National PTA, praised Meta for "taking steps to empower parents and deliver safer, more age-appropriate experiences on the platform."
Dr. Rachel Rodgers, Associate Professor of Applied Psychology at Northeastern University, noted that the settings are "age-specific, with younger and older teens being offered different protections."
Dr. Megan Moreno, Co-Medical Director of the SAMHSA-Funded AAP Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, emphasized the importance of default safety and privacy protections.
Lucy Thomas OAM, CEO & Co-Founder of Project Rockit, described the updates as offering "a balanced approach, empowering parents with essential oversight while respecting teens' right to participate and explore."
Instagram Teen Accounts
Impact and future plans
The introduction of Teen Accounts represents a significant shift in Instagram's approach to younger users. Meta, Instagram's parent company, plans to extend similar features to other platforms in its ecosystem in 2025.
As these changes roll out, Instagram will be closely monitoring their effectiveness and impact on teen users' experiences. The company has stated its commitment to continually refining and improving these safety measures based on user feedback and emerging research.
What are Instagram Teen Accounts?
Instagram Teen Accounts are a new feature designed to provide enhanced safety and privacy settings for users under 18, with stricter default settings for those under 16.
When will Instagram Teen Accounts be available?
The rollout begins in September 2024 for new sign-ups, with existing teen users in select countries being moved to Teen Accounts within 60 days. Global implementation is planned for January 2025.
Can teens opt out of Teen Accounts?
Teens can't opt out entirely, but those 16 and older can modify some settings. Users under 16 need parental permission to change settings to be less strict.
What control do parents have over Teen Accounts?
Parents can approve changes to privacy settings, set daily time limits, block usage during specific periods, and monitor their teen's messaging activity.
Will Teen Accounts affect who can contact a teen user?
Yes, Teen Accounts have messaging restrictions that limit contact to followers and existing connections by default.
How does Instagram verify a user's age for Teen Accounts?
Instagram is developing technology to proactively identify accounts likely belonging to teens, even if registered with an adult birthdate. Testing of this technology is planned to begin in early 2025 in the United States.
Will Teen Accounts be available on other Meta platforms?
Meta plans to bring similar features to other platforms in its ecosystem in 2025, but specific details have not been announced.
How does Instagram handle sensitive content for Teen Accounts?
Teen Accounts are automatically placed into the most restrictive setting of the sensitive content control, limiting exposure to potentially inappropriate material.
Key takeaways
- Instagram Teen Accounts automatically apply strict privacy and safety settings for users under 16.
- Parents gain enhanced control over their teens' Instagram usage, including time limits and content monitoring.
- The rollout begins in September 2024, with global implementation planned for early 2025.
- Experts in child safety and digital media have generally responded positively to the new features.
- Meta plans to expand similar protections to other platforms in its ecosystem.