Wed Sep 18 07:23:00 UTC 2024: ## Meta Revamps Instagram for Teens with Enhanced Privacy and Parental Controls

**San Francisco, CA -** In a move to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on young users, Meta Platforms is rolling out significant changes to Instagram accounts for users under 18. The changes include enhanced privacy features and parental controls, aiming to create a safer online experience for teens.

All Instagram accounts belonging to users under 18 will be automatically converted to “Teen Accounts,” which will be private by default. This means users can only be contacted or tagged by those they follow or are already connected with. Sensitive content settings will be set to the most restrictive available, with users under 16 requiring parental permission to adjust them.

Parents will also gain access to a suite of tools allowing them to monitor their children’s interactions and limit their app usage.

This move comes in response to numerous studies linking social media use to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities in young users. Meta, along with platforms like TikTok and YouTube, has faced numerous lawsuits alleging the addictive nature of social media.

The company has been under intense scrutiny for its practices, with 33 U.S. states suing Meta last year for allegedly misleading the public about the dangers of its platforms.

The new Instagram update reflects Meta’s commitment to prioritize the safety and well-being of its younger users. The company plans to complete the transition to Teen Accounts within 60 days in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia, with the rollout in the European Union set for later this year. Teen accounts will be available globally beginning in January.

The changes also include a 60-minute daily usage limit, encouraging users to take breaks from the platform, as well as a default sleep mode that silences notifications overnight.

This overhaul marks a significant step towards addressing concerns about the impact of social media on teens and reflects a growing awareness within the tech industry of the need for responsible online platforms.

Read More