Instagram has announced a major update for teen accounts, expanding settings by implementing a new content rating system that aligns with PG-13 age rating standards (such as 13+ movies), in a move aimed at enhancing digital safety and protecting users under 18 from inappropriate content.
Under the new update, all user accounts under the age of 18 will be automatically placed in the “13+” setting by default, so that content containing strong language, dangerous tricks, references to drugs, or other potentially harmful mature topics is hidden or reduced. Teenagers will not be able to change or opt out of this setting without explicit consent from a parent or guardian.
The platform also introduced a new, stricter setting called “Limited Content”, which allows parents to apply additional filters that further limit the visibility of content, including restricting search results and comments.
Meta said this update is the biggest since the launch of Teen Accounts in 2024, and comes after a careful review of the platform's policies compared with PG-13 film rating standards, taking into account parental views.
Instagram began automatically applying "Teen Accounts" to users aged 13 to 17 in September 2024, with the aim of providing built-in protection that includes making accounts private by default, restricting messages from strangers, and setting usage time limits.
The new update came in response to increasing pressure from parents and regulators around the world regarding the impact of social media on the mental health of teenagers, particularly content related to violence, eating disorders, or risky behaviors.
The platform emphasized that the goal is to create a safer and age-appropriate experience, giving parents more control without completely eliminating the enjoyment of the platform.
This update is expected to help reduce teenagers' exposure to harmful content, especially with the increasing use of artificial intelligence in classifying and filtering posts across the Feed, Stories, and Explore page.