Melissa Donovan
In a continued effort to prioritize online safety, Instagram has launched Teen Accounts—a new account experience tailored specifically for users aged 13 to 17. These accounts are automatically equipped with protective settings designed to give both teens and parents greater peace of mind. From limiting unwanted interactions to reducing exposure to sensitive content, the platform’s latest update marks a significant shift in how young users engage with Instagram.
What Are Instagram Teen Accounts?
Teen Accounts are a default experience for users between the ages of 13 and 17. These accounts come preloaded with enhanced safety settings that are automatically activated upon account creation. Instagram developed this system with the dual goals of protecting young users and empowering parents with oversight tools.
These settings aim to:
Minimize unwanted contact
Restrict exposure to age-inappropriate content
Encourage healthier time management on the platform
Importantly, any teen under the age of 16 will need parental or guardian approval to make these settings less protective. For teens aged 16–17, the ability to modify these protections is available unless the account is under parental supervision.
Key Features of Teen Accounts
1. Default Private Accounts
New accounts created by teens are automatically set to private. This ensures that only approved followers can view their content or engage with them. Teens under 16 must get parental consent to switch their account to public. Teens aged 16–17 can make this change independently unless supervised.
For existing accounts:
Teens under 16 with previously public profiles will have their accounts switched to private by default.
Teens aged 16–17 with public accounts will not have their settings changed unless supervision is active.
2. Messaging Restrictions
To prevent unwanted contact, Teen Accounts are restricted to only receive messages from people they follow or have previously interacted with. This feature is part of Instagram’s broader approach to reduce unsolicited and potentially harmful communication.
3. Tags, Mentions, and Remix Controls
Teens can only be tagged or mentioned by accounts they follow. Similarly, content remixing (e.g., Reels) is limited to users who both follow and are followed back by the teen.
4. Sensitive Content Filters
Instagram places Teen Accounts in its most restrictive sensitive content control setting. This helps reduce exposure to potentially harmful or mature content in areas like Explore, Reels, and the main feed.
5. Anti-Bullying Measures
The platform’s Hidden Words feature is turned on automatically. This tool filters out potentially offensive comments and message requests using pre-set language detection. (Note: Message request filtering is not currently available on web or Meta Quest.)
6. Sleep Mode
From 10 PM to 7 AM, Teen Accounts automatically enter sleep mode. During this period, push notifications are silenced, and auto-replies are sent to any incoming messages, encouraging teens to take a break from the app.
7. Time Management Alerts
Teens receive a reminder to close Instagram or Threads after spending 60 minutes on the app(s) each day. This nudge is designed to help promote healthy screen time habits.
Parental Supervision: What It Means
Parents and guardians have the option to activate supervision on their teen’s account. Once enabled, they can:
Set or adjust time limits for daily Instagram and Threads usage
Approve or deny requests from their teen to reduce safety settings
View usage insights, including which accounts their teen has chatted with (note: not message content)
Restrict access to the app during certain times (e.g., bedtime)
View topics their teen is exploring in the app’s recommendation settings
Strengthen existing safety settings for added protection
Parents cannot see search history, read private chats, post content on behalf of their teen, or reset their password.
Supervision is mandatory for teens under 16 who want to use less restrictive settings. For older teens, supervision is optional but offers parents a more involved role in their child’s social media activity.
Upcoming Changes and Global Rollout
As of March 28, 2025, Instagram announced efforts to detect age misrepresentation. Since some teens may attempt to bypass protections by entering a false birthdate, Meta is developing technology to proactively identify such accounts. These accounts will be reassigned to Teen Account protections, regardless of the listed age. This rollout is expected to begin testing in the U.S. in early 2026.
Instagram plans to roll out Teen Accounts in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia within 60 days, with European Union expansion coming later in the year. The new features will also extend to other Meta platforms in 2026.
A Safer Instagram Experience for a New Generation
Instagram’s Teen Accounts reflect the platform’s commitment to creating a safer, healthier environment for teens online. By placing safety features front and center and empowering parents with meaningful tools, the company aims to address key concerns around online safety, screen time, and content exposure.
Whether you’re a teen navigating social media or a parent looking to stay involved, these new updates provide a more structured and supportive Instagram experience—without compromising the ability to connect, create, and explore.
Comments