Instagram is taking major steps to improve online safety for teenagers in India with the extension of its Teen accounts feature. Aimed at creating a “more secure and age-appropriate space” for young users, Instagram has introduced several new features designed to protect privacy, reduce unwanted interactions, and provide better parental oversight.
“At Meta, creating a safer and more responsible digital environment is a top priority. With the expansion of Instagram Teen Accounts to India, we are strengthening protections, enhancing content controls, and empowering parents, while ensuring a safer experience for teens,” Natasha Jog, director of Public Policy for India at Instagram was quoted in the blog post.
Key features of Instagram Teen accounts
Key features of Instagram’s Teen accounts include:
— Privacy by default: Accounts of users under 16 are set to private by default, giving them control over who can follow them and view their content.
— Control over Mentions and Tags: Teens can only be tagged or mentioned by people they follow, limiting exposure to unwanted interactions.
— Restricted messaging: Direct messages can only be received from people the teen follows, reducing the chances of unsolicited contact. Additionally, Instagram automatically activates its strongest anti-bullying filter to block offensive language in comments and direct message requests.
— Limited exposure to harmful content: Teens are placed in the strictest settings, minimizing their exposure to harmful content on Explore, Reels, and suggested posts. If sensitive content is shared by a person they follow, Instagram automatically hides it.
— Time management: To support digital well-being, Instagram sends notifications encouraging teens to take breaks after 60 minutes of daily use. Notifications are muted between 10 PM and 7 AM, and automated replies are sent for any DMs received overnight.
— Parental controls: Parents can monitor their teen’s interactions on Instagram by accessing a list of accounts their child has messaged in the past seven days, setting screen-time limits, and even blocking access during specific hours. Additionally, any changes to privacy or safety settings require parental consent for users under 16.
— Enhanced age verification measures: Instagram is introducing new age verification methods to discourage users from misrepresenting their age.
