Instagram is rolling out significant changes aimed at improving safety for its younger users, following growing concerns about online protection. The platform is introducing new features designed to offer better oversight for parents and enhanced privacy for teenagers.
The updated "teen accounts" will apply to users aged 13 to 15 and will have many privacy settings enabled by default. Teenagers' posts will automatically be set to private, meaning only approved followers can see their content, and they will need to approve any new followers. These settings can only be altered with parental consent or once the user turns 16.
This move comes as part of a broader effort by social media companies to address concerns about protecting young users from harmful content. The UK’s NSPCC has welcomed the changes but urged Meta, Instagram's parent company, to take more proactive measures to prevent harmful content and abuse.
The new features, starting from Tuesday, will be implemented in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, with plans to expand to the EU later this year. Meta describes these updates as a "new experience for teens, guided by parents," aiming to provide peace of mind with enhanced protections.
Despite these efforts, there are concerns about whether parents will fully utilize the new controls. Ofcom, the UK media regulator, expressed worries about parents' willingness to engage actively in monitoring their children’s online activities. Senior Meta executive Sir Nick Clegg noted that even with new controls, parents often fail to use them effectively.
Ian Russell, whose daughter tragically died after viewing harmful content on Instagram, emphasized the importance of monitoring the new policy's effectiveness. He stressed the need for transparency and real results, beyond just public relations efforts.
How the New Accounts Will Work
The revamped teen accounts will introduce several default settings aimed at reducing exposure to sensitive content. This includes stringent controls to prevent the recommendation of potentially harmful material and muting notifications overnight. Teen accounts will be set to private, requiring approval for new followers and limiting content visibility to those who follow them.
Instagram will prompt users under 16 who attempt to change key default settings to seek parental approval. Parents who choose to supervise their child's account will be able to view their messaging contacts and interests but not the content of the messages.
Existing teen users will be transitioned to the new setup within 60 days of the announcement.
Age Verification and Online Safety
The new system largely depends on users honestly reporting their ages, though Instagram employs tools to verify age when discrepancies are suspected. Starting in January in the US, Instagram will also use AI to detect and reclassify teens using adult accounts.
The UK's Online Safety Act, which requires platforms to enhance child safety or face hefty fines, will come into effect in 2025. Ofcom has warned that failure to comply could lead to significant consequences.
Matt Navarra, a social media analyst, considers the changes significant but cautions that their effectiveness will depend on enforcement. He noted that tech-savvy teens might find ways around safeguards, emphasizing the need for robust, non-bypassable measures.
Comparative Efforts
Instagram is not alone in implementing parental controls. Platforms like Snapchat and YouTube have introduced similar features, such as family centers and content limitations. Despite these efforts, challenges remain. A recent Ofcom study revealed that children frequently encounter violent material online, with Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat being the most mentioned platforms.
Social media expert Paolo Pescatore views Instagram’s changes as a crucial step in protecting children but calls for further improvements in digital wellbeing. He argues that while giving parents more control is vital, it is equally important to address the broader issues of disinformation and inappropriate content online.
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