What You Need to Know About Instagram’s New Teen Accounts
Instagram is taking new steps to ensure safer experiences for teens on the platform with the introduction of Teen Accounts. This move automatically enrolls younger users in an app experience with stronger, built-in protections. These updates aim to reassure parents while giving teens more control over their interactions and content.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest changes that were just released:
1. Automatic Enrollment for Teens
Starting this week, Instagram will automatically convert all current and new accounts held by users under 18 to Teen Accounts. For users under 16, parental permission will be required to adjust these protections or make them less strict.
2. Enhanced Privacy and Safety
The protections include automatic settings for limiting exposure to harmful or inappropriate content. Some of the key features include:
Private accounts by default for all users under 16 (and for new users under 18), where only approved followers can interact with them
Messaging restrictions, allowing teens to only receive messages from people they follow
Content filters, automatically limiting sensitive content like fights or cosmetic procedure promotions
3. Time Well Spent
To encourage healthier app habits, Instagram is also introducing:
Time limit reminders prompting teens to take breaks after 60 minutes of use
Sleep mode, automatically muting notifications between 10 PM and 7 AM, helping teens stay focused and get proper rest
4. Parental Control and Peace of Mind
Parents now have more say in their teens' social media experience. Teens under 16 will need approval from their parents to relax any of these protections. Whether it’s who can message them or what content they see, Instagram’s goal is to provide teens and parents with a safer, more positive online experience.
These updates underscore Instagram’s commitment to addressing safety concerns, and parents can rest assured that teens’ time on the app is better managed and protected.
