Meta Introduces New Guard Rails on Instagram to Protect Kids

Meta’s move to introduce separate teen accounts on Instagram is a step in the right direction to protect young users from harmful content and interactions on the platform. With concerns over social media’s impact on mental health growing, the company’s decision to implement stricter controls for users under 18 is a welcome change.

The new teen accounts will automatically place users under 18 into more restricted accounts, with features such as private profiles, limited direct messaging, and notifications for excessive screen time. Teens aged 16 and 17 can opt out of some restrictions with parental permission, providing a balance between freedom and safety.

Meta’s efforts to prevent teens from pretending to be adults on the platform and the introduction of a “sleep mode” feature to limit usage during nighttime hours are commendable steps towards creating a safer online environment for young users. The company’s acknowledgment of parents’ concerns regarding their children’s online activity and the implementation of tools for parental supervision demonstrate a commitment to addressing these issues.

While Meta’s actions have been praised as an important first step in protecting children from social media harm, there is still more work to be done. With lawsuits from U.S. states alleging that the company’s features are addictive to children, Meta must continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of young users on its platform.

Overall, the introduction of separate teen accounts on Instagram is a positive development that provides parents with more control over their children’s online activity and encourages conversations about online safety. It’s a step in the right direction towards creating a safer and more responsible social media environment for young users.