Instagram Introduces New Safety Measures for Teens
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Instagram has announced that users under 16 will now need parental permission to use the platform’s livestreaming feature, Instagram Live. Additionally, these young users will require parental consent to disable a setting that blurs images containing suspected nudity in direct messages. These changes are part of Meta’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety and provide parents with more control over their children’s online activities.
Meta is also extending its teen account protections to Facebook and Messenger. These safeguards include setting teen accounts to private by default, blocking private messages from strangers, limiting exposure to sensitive content, sending reminders to take breaks after 60 minutes of app usage, and pausing notifications during bedtime hours. Initially, these updates will roll out in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, with plans to expand globally in the coming months.
These initiatives aim to create a safer online environment for teenagers and address concerns about the impact of social media on young users. By involving parents more directly in their children’s online experiences, Meta seeks to balance user engagement with safety and well-being.
