Instagram introduces new protections for teen users

Instagram is taking significant steps to enhance the safety and privacy of its teen users, the company said.

Built-in protections

Starting today, the platform will automatically enroll all current and future teen accounts into a Teen Account, a new feature designed to provide additional protections and safeguards for young users.

Teen Accounts come with a range of built-in protections, including restrictions on who can contact them, limitations on the type of content they can view, and automatic filters for offensive language. Teens will also be notified to close the app after using it for an hour each day and will have Sleep Mode enabled by default to mute notifications overnight.

Parents will now have more control

Parents will now have more control over their teen’s Instagram experience through expanded parental supervision features. They can monitor their child’s activity, set daily time limits, and block the app altogether. Additionally, parents can see who their teen has messaged in the past week, providing greater visibility into their online interactions.

Instagram’s new initiatives aim to address concerns raised by lawmakers and regulators about the safety of young users on social media platforms. By implementing these protections, the company hopes to create a safer and more positive online environment for teens.