Instagram Now Restricts Teen Accounts to PG-13 Content

Instagram Now Restricts Teen Accounts to PG-13 Content

Meta plans to expand them globally by the end of the year

CNB World Times

Meta has announced new restrictions for teenagers using Instagram. From now on, all teen accounts will be limited to PG-13 content by default. Teens will not be able to change these settings unless their parents give permission.

Under the new policy, teen accounts will only show posts that are similar to what is allowed in PG-13 movies. This means no sexual content, drugs, or dangerous stunts. Posts with strong language, risky challenges, or anything that could promote harmful behavior will be hidden or not recommended.

Meta said this is the biggest update since the launch of teen accounts last year. The company also introduced a stricter “Limited Content” mode that allows parents to filter out even more material. In this mode, teens cannot see or leave comments under posts.

The update also improves Instagram’s use of age-prediction technology. This will help detect when users under 18 try to pretend to be adults to avoid restrictions.

Accounts that often share adult or age-inappropriate content will now be blocked for teens. Even if a teen already follows such an account, they will no longer be able to see or interact with it. Certain search terms, like “alcohol” or “gore,” will also be blocked, even if spelled incorrectly.

Meta says the change is based on feedback from thousands of parents worldwide. According to a survey by Ipsos, 95% of parents believe these new settings will be helpful.

The PG-13 restrictions will first roll out in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Meta plans to expand them globally by the end of the year.

The move comes as Meta faces ongoing criticism about the impact of social media on young users. While some experts call the change a step in the right direction, others say it is not enough to fully protect teens from harmful content online.