Meta introduces new ''Teen Accounts'' for Instagram

Meta is rolling out a new “teen account” feature for Instagram users under 18, enhancing parental controls over their children's activity on the platform. This move, announced a week after Australia's proposal to restrict social media access for children, will initially apply to new users and be gradually extended to existing teenage accounts.

The “teen account” feature will allow parents to set daily time limits, block access during certain hours, and monitor the accounts their child interacts with. Teenagers under 16 will require parental permission to alter these settings, while users aged 16-18 can adjust them independently. This update aims to provide greater oversight for parents concerned about their children's online behavior.

Previously, Instagram defaulted to stringent privacy settings for new teen users, including blocking messages from adults they do not follow and muting notifications at night. The new feature builds on these safeguards by incorporating more direct parental control.

Meta’s decision follows the Australian government’s announcement of potential legislation to raise the minimum age for social media access to between 14 and 16 by the end of the year. While this move responds to global concerns about youth safety and parental control, it will be implemented worldwide, including in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Antigone Davis, Meta’s director of global safety, emphasized that the initiative was driven by parental demand rather than specific government regulations. She acknowledged that while social media is seen as providing valuable experiences for teenagers, there is a growing need to address parental concerns globally.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has advocated for increased social media restrictions to encourage children to engage in real-world activities. Davis countered that social media also plays a significant role in enhancing real experiences for young users, such as improving skills in sports through online resources.

The update will integrate with existing privacy settings for teens, including requiring approval for new followers, applying sensitive content restrictions, and filtering offensive language. This development follows criticisms from Meta executive Nick Clegg, who noted that many parents do not utilize existing parental supervision features.

As Australia considers its regulatory approach, the UK’s technology secretary Peter Kyle has expressed interest in monitoring the situation, potentially influencing future policies in the UK.

Source: The Guardian