Instagram’s new teen accounts, explained

In today's digitally connected world, social media plays a pivotal role in the lives of teenagers. Recognizing this impact, Instagram has recently introduced a new feature aimed at enhancing the safety and security of younger users: the Instagram teen account. 

This update is a part of the broader effort by Instagram's parent company, Meta, to address growing concerns about online safety for teens. But, how does it keep kids safe — and how can parents utilize it? Read on to find out more about Instagram’s new teen accounts. 

What are Instagram teen accounts?

Instagram teen accounts are designed specifically for users under the age of 18. The company  has made several significant updates in response to mounting pressure from both parents and government regulators. Starting in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, all users under 18 will automatically have their accounts transitioned to these new settings. Teens in the European Union will see these changes later this year.

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These accounts come with default privacy and safety settings that aim to provide a more secure environment for teens. The primary goal is to protect young users from unwanted interactions and inappropriate content, allowing them to enjoy a more positive social media experience.

Key features of Instagram teen accounts

Let’s dive into some of the key features that sets these accounts apart. 

Default privacy settings

When teens sign up for Instagram, their accounts are now set to private by default. This means only approved followers can see their posts and interact with them. This setting helps shield young users from unwanted contact and ensures that their personal content is shared only with trusted friends.

Restricted messaging

Instagram has restricted private messaging for teen accounts. Teens can only receive messages from people they follow or are connected with. This feature reduces the risk of encountering unsolicited messages from strangers, thereby offering an added layer of protection.

Content sensitivity controls

The platform has implemented controls to limit exposure to sensitive content. This includes hiding videos that promote violence or cosmetic procedures, which can be harmful or inappropriate for younger audiences.

Activity reminders

To prevent excessive screen time, Instagram sends notifications when a teen has been active on the app for more than 60 minutes. A "sleep mode" is also available, restricting notifications and setting auto-replies from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Addressing parental concerns

Parents have long expressed concerns over their children's exposure to inappropriate content and excessive social media use. Instagram's updates directly address these issues by offering parents more control and visibility over their children's accounts. Through the Family Center, parents can monitor who is messaging their teen and regulate their online interactions.

For teens under 16, parental permission is required to alter the default privacy settings, ensuring that parents are actively involved in their children's social media use. Additionally, Instagram is encouraging parents to engage in discussions with their teens about online safety and to utilize its parental supervision tools.

Of course, there are teens who might try to enter an older birthdate into the app to skirt the teen accounts. But, Meta is on it — the company has acknowledged the challenge of age misrepresentation on social media and is working on technology to identify accounts falsely claiming adult ages. This proactive approach aims to enhance the integrity of the teen account system.

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.