Instagram Launched Teen Accounts: Built-In Protections for Teens and Peace of Mind for Parents

Instagram Launched Teen Accounts with automatic protections, ensuring safer social media experiences for teens and more control for parents.

Last Updated: 1 year ago

Instagram, Social Media, Parenting, Teens, Online Safety, Technology, Meta, Digital Wellbeing, App, Product

#Instagram teen safety#Instagram parental control#Teen social media protection#Instagram private accounts#Instagram sensitive content settings

Introducing Instagram Teen Accounts: Safer Social Media for Teens

Instagram is rolling out Teen Accounts, a new feature designed to keep teens safe online. These accounts offer built-in protections that limit who can contact teens, what content they see, and how they interact on the platform. Parents also get more control and peace of mind knowing their teens are protected. This update is part of Instagram's ongoing efforts to create safer social media spaces for young users.

Why Instagram Teen Accounts Matter for Parents and Teens

As social media becomes more integral in teens' lives, parents are understandably concerned about online safety. Instagram’s Teen Accounts offer privacy settings that give parents greater control over their teens’ digital activities, while allowing teens to explore and interact safely. Teens are automatically placed in these accounts, with extra permissions required to adjust settings.

Key Features of Instagram Teen Accounts

Feature	Description
Private Accounts	Teens under 16 are automatically placed in private accounts. Only people they approve can follow them and see their content, giving them more control over their audience.
Messaging Restrictions	Teens will only be able to receive messages from people they follow or are already connected with, minimizing unwanted or unsafe interactions.
Sensitive Content Limits	Instagram automatically places teens in the most restrictive setting for sensitive content. This helps block content related to violence, cosmetic procedures, and other sensitive topics.
Tagging and Mention Restrictions	Teens can only be tagged or mentioned by people they follow, reducing unwanted attention or bullying. Offensive words and phrases are also automatically filtered out in comments and messages.
Time Limits	Teens receive reminders to take breaks after 60 minutes of app use each day, helping them balance their time online.
Sleep Mode	Sleep Mode is automatically enabled from 10 PM to 7 AM, muting notifications and sending auto-replies to messages, encouraging teens to get enough rest.

Parental Supervision: Greater Control Over Teens’ Instagram Activity

Teens under 16 need parental permission to modify default settings in their Instagram Teen Account. Parents can set up supervision features that let them approve changes to privacy settings, manage daily screen time limits, and oversee who their teens are messaging. This supervision ensures that teens continue to enjoy a safe and positive experience on the platform.

Upcoming Features to Enhance Parental Involvement

In the coming months, Instagram will introduce new tools for parents, including the ability to block Instagram usage during certain hours and more direct control over settings that ensure age-appropriate content is seen. Parents can stay up to date with their teens' activities while respecting their privacy.

How Instagram Detects Teen Accounts

Instagram uses age verification technology to ensure teens are using the appropriate account settings. Teens may be asked to verify their age when signing up, or if the system detects discrepancies in the birthday listed in their account. If a teen is misrepresented as an adult, Instagram proactively applies the necessary teen protections to safeguard them.

Launch Timeline for Instagram Teen Accounts

Instagram Teen Accounts are launching in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia starting in September 2024, with a global rollout by early 2025. Teens already using Instagram will be moved into Teen Accounts by January 2025.

FAQs About Instagram Teen Accounts

1. What are Instagram Teen Accounts?

Instagram Teen Accounts are new account settings automatically applied to teens under 16, offering built-in protections like private accounts, messaging restrictions, and sensitive content controls.

2. When will Teen Accounts be available?

Instagram Teen Accounts are rolling out in September 2024 in select countries, with global availability by early 2025.

3. How do parental controls work on Instagram Teen Accounts?

Parents can supervise their teen’s account settings, approve changes to privacy controls, set time limits, and manage who their teen can message on Instagram.

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