Meta Platforms (META) has launched “Teen Accounts” on Instagram. This feature aims to improve privacy and safety for users under 18. It comes as a response to growing concerns about teen safety online. The new tools help limit who can interact with teens and what content they can see.
Enhanced Privacy Features for Teens
Instagram’s Teen Accounts default to private for users under 16. Teens must approve new followers manually, giving them better control. Messaging is also limited to people they already follow. Teens can only be tagged or mentioned by those they follow as well. These features reduce the chances of unwanted interactions.
Parental Permissions and Activity Reminders
Teens under 16 need parental permission to change these privacy settings. This allows parents to monitor and control their teen’s account.
Instagram also encourages teens to take breaks. After an hour of daily use, they’ll receive reminders to pause. A new “sleep mode” will mute notifications and send automatic replies between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. This promotes healthier app usage and reduces screen time at night.
Global Rollout and Availability
Instagram is rolling out these changes in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. Existing accounts will be converted to Teen Accounts within 60 days. The European Union will see these changes later this year, with a global rollout in January.
Addressing Teen Mental Health Concerns
Meta’s move follows concerns over social media’s impact on teen mental health. Last year, 33 states in the U.S. sued Meta. The lawsuit accused Meta of using features that kept teens addicted to its platforms. This led to a national mental health crisis among children and teens.
By launching Teen Accounts, Instagram aims to protect younger users better. These changes, alongside parental controls, are steps in the right direction. However, Meta still faces challenges in tackling larger issues surrounding teen mental health and data privacy.
Conclusion
Instagram’s Teen Accounts provide a safer environment for younger users. With enhanced privacy settings, reminders to take breaks, and parental oversight, Meta is making strides to create healthier social media experiences for teens.
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