Meta is implementing Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger, a feature designed to automatically enroll young users into an app environment equipped with built-in protections. This will be accessible on these platforms in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada, with plans for further expansion to additional regions.
Initially launched on Instagram last September, Teen Accounts emerged following scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers, who criticized Instagram and other social media networks for inadequate protections for teenagers. In a recent announcement, Meta revealed new built-in protections for Teen Accounts on Instagram.
With the rollout to Facebook and Messenger, teenagers will automatically experience an environment aimed at reducing exposure to inappropriate content and limiting unwanted contact. Teens under 16 years old will require parental consent to adjust any settings.
Although Meta’s blog post does not specify the exact restrictions for teenagers, the company informed TechCrunch that teens will only receive messages from users they follow or have previously messaged. Furthermore, only friends can view and respond to their stories, and limitations will be placed on Tags, Mentions, and comments to their friends or those they follow.
The platform will also prompt teens to take breaks if they use social networks for an hour per day and automatically enroll them into “Quiet mode” overnight.
Regarding new Instagram restrictions, teens under 16 will need parental permission to go live on the platform. They will also require parental approval to disable the feature that blurs images suspected of containing nudity in direct messages.
These recent changes highlight Meta’s ongoing efforts to address mental health concerns associated with social media among teenagers. These concerns have been voiced by the U.S. Surgeon General and several states, some of which are implementing measures to restrict teens’ social media usage without parental consent.
Meta provided insights into the performance of Teen Accounts on Instagram, reporting that 54 million teens have been transitioned into Teen Accounts. The company aims to continue this global rollout and noted that 97% of teens aged 13-15 retain their built-in protections.
Additionally, a study conducted by Ipsos, commissioned by Meta, revealed that nearly all surveyed parents (94%) find Teen Accounts beneficial, with 85% believing they facilitate positive experiences for their teens on Instagram.
