Meta Introduces New Privacy Features for Teen Instagram Accounts Amid Social Media Concerns

Meta Platforms is launching new privacy and parental controls for Instagram users under 18 to address worries about social media’s effects on young people. Starting this week, all teen Instagram accounts will automatically be set to private and will have strict settings for sensitive content. This means teens will only be able to receive messages and tags from accounts they follow or are connected with.

Users under 16 will need parental permission to change these settings. Parents will also have tools to monitor and limit their children’s app use. This update comes in response to criticism and legal challenges over social media addiction. It follows Meta’s decision to cancel a separate Instagram app for teens after safety concerns were raised.