Meta introduces Instagram ‘Teen Accounts’ to protect users under 18

Instagram has unveiled a new feature called ‘teen accounts’ designed to enhance the safety of users under 18.

In a blog post released on Tuesday, Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, detailed the new feature. Starting now, all accounts belonging to users under 18 will automatically transition to these new teen accounts, with enhanced privacy settings activated by default.

Teen accounts will have several safety features, including restrictions on receiving messages only from people they follow or are already connected with. The platform will also limit exposure to “sensitive content,” such as violent material and videos about cosmetic procedures, and will automatically filter out offensive language from comments and direct message requests.

Additionally, a new feature will prompt teenagers to take breaks from the app after 60 minutes of use each day. A “sleep mode” will mute notifications from 10 pm to 7 am, sending automatic replies to messages and encouraging contacts to reach out during daytime hours.

For users under 16, parental consent will be required to adjust the default privacy settings, while those aged 16 and 17 can modify these settings without parental approval.

Parents will also gain access to tools to monitor their children’s activity and set usage limits. The feature is expected to roll out within 60 days in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, with additional countries receiving it by January.

Meta has also announced plans to extend these teen account features to its other social media platforms in 2025.