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Meta has completed plans to launch Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger. Meta Teen Accounts will have features that will automatically enrol young users into an app experience with built-in protections. These features will be available on Facebook and Instagram in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada. Meta also plans to make it available before expanding to additional regions.
Recall that Meta Teen Accounts first rolled out to Instagram last September after U.S. lawmakers sanctioned Instagram and other popular social networks. The lawmakers grilled the company for not doing enough to protect teens. Meanwhile, TechPolyP recently reported on the Instagram School Partnership Program to moderate safer online experiences for teenagers.
However, on Tuesday, Meta said it’s bringing new built-in protections for teen accounts on Instagram. Upon successfully expanding to Facebook and Messenger, users (teens) will be placed into a system that limits inappropriate content and unwanted contact. Essentially, the apps will have parental control. Those under 16 will need their parents’ permission to change any settings.
Meta’s blog post doesn’t expressly state the exact restrictions teens will face. However, TechPolyP can confirm that users can text and receive messages from their friends.
Teens can only tag, mention, or reply to their friends’ stories and vice versa. After using them for an hour daily, they will also receive reminders to leave the social networks. Additionally, the app will switch to “Quiet mode” overnight.
Meta Teens Accounts will restrict those under 16 from going live on the platform. The only exception is if their parents permit them to do so. Also, teens under 16 must get parental permission to turn off the feature that blurs images containing suspected nudity in DMs.
According to the company, they introduced these features to address teen mental health concerns tied to social media. The U.S. Surgeon General and several states suggested these concerns. More intentionally, some of these states have even started restricting teens from using social media without a parent’s consent.
The company confirmed it had moved 54 million teens into Meta Teen Accounts on Instagram. It added that many more will be added as the feature continues to roll out globally. The company also shared that 97% of teens aged 13 to 15 keep their built-in protections on.
A study by Ipsos found that nearly all parents surveyed (94%) say Teen Accounts are helpful for them. Similarly, 85% think they make it easier for parents to help their teens have positive experiences on Instagram.
