Meta introduces new Instagram teen accounts

Meta is set to overhaul Instagram’s privacy settings for users under 18, introducing stricter controls to protect young users. Accounts for teenagers will now be private by default, ensuring only approved connections can message or tag them. The move comes amid growing concerns over the negative impact of social media on youth, with studies highlighting links to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Parents will have more authority over their children’s accounts, including monitoring who they engage with and setting restrictions on app usage. Teens under 16 will need parental permission to change default settings. The update also includes new features like a 60-minute daily usage reminder and a default “sleep mode” to mute notifications overnight.

Social media platforms, including Meta’s Instagram, have faced numerous lawsuits, with critics arguing that these apps have addictive qualities and contribute to rising mental health problems in teenagers. Recent US legislation seeks to hold platforms accountable for their effects on young users, pushing Meta to introduce these changes.

The rollout will take place in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia within the next two months, with European Union users following later. Global adoption of the new teen accounts is expected by January next year.