Big news for parents with teens… Instagram is rolling out a major change that’s set to shake up how teenagers use the platform. The app, owned by Meta, is launching Instagram Teen Accounts, specifically for users aged 13 to 17. This new version aims to keep the young crowd away from unwanted interactions and sensitive content, while giving parents more control over their kids’ online activities.
With Teen Accounts, Instagram will automatically make these profiles private, limit who can tag or mention them, and enforce the strictest measures against bullying. The app’s filters will also weed out violent or unsuitable content, including cosmetic surgery videos. These moves come as part of a broader effort to make social media safer for the younger audience.
Instagram’s CEO, Adam Mosseri, insists that this rollout is not related to any impending regulations, such as Australia’s proposed social media age restrictions. Instead, the changes are a response to feedback from parents and teenagers alike, aiming to strike a balance between safety and freedom.
Parents won’t need to be tech wizards to manage these accounts. They can set sweeping default controls or dive deeper into customisation. Teens can only bypass certain restrictions with parental approval, ensuring that parents remain in the loop.
While some teens might grumble about the new setup, Mosseri believes that gaining parents’ trust is crucial. Though the changes might dent Instagram’s teen engagement initially, the long-term goal is to create a safer, more trusted platform that families can rely on.
As these new controlled accounts roll out, Instagram hopes to lead the way in creating a digital space where parents feel secure and teens can explore responsibly. Only time will tell if this blend of control and freedom will hit the right note for everyone involved.
