Meta Expands Teen Safety Features to Facebook and Messenger
New Protections Aim to Create Safer Social Media Experiences for Teens
Meta has announced the expansion of its Teen Accounts feature to Facebook and Messenger, building on its existing protections for young users. The update introduces automatic enrollment for teens into a more restricted app experience designed to limit exposure to inappropriate content and unwanted interactions. The feature will initially launch in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada, with plans for a global rollout in the future.
Key Features of Meta’s Teen Accounts
- Restricted Messaging: Teens will only receive messages from accounts they follow or have previously messaged.
- Limited Story Interactions: Only friends can view and reply to teens’ stories.
- Controlled Tags & Mentions: Tags, mentions, and comments are restricted to friends or followed accounts.
- Usage Reminders: Teens receive notifications after one hour of daily use, encouraging breaks.
- Overnight “Quiet Mode”: Automatically limits notifications during nighttime hours.
- Parental Controls: Teens under 16 require parental permission to modify settings.
Instagram Updates for Younger Users
The expansion follows Meta’s September 2024 rollout of Teen Accounts on Instagram, which came amid growing scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers regarding child safety on social platforms. New Instagram-specific protections include:
- Live Streaming Restrictions: Teens under 16 need parental approval to go live.
- DM Image Blurring: Parental permission required to disable automatic blurring of suspected nudity in direct messages.
Image Credits: Meta
Addressing Teen Mental Health Concerns
These changes represent Meta’s ongoing response to mental health concerns linked to social media use among adolescents. The initiative aligns with recommendations from:
- The U.S. Surgeon General
- Various state legislatures
- Growing parental advocacy groups
Early Success Metrics
Meta reports promising adoption rates for Teen Accounts:
- 54 million teens already enrolled on Instagram
- 97% retention rate of built-in protections among 13-15 year olds
- 94% of parents find the feature helpful (per Ipsos study)
- 85% of parents believe it improves teens’ platform experience
As digital wellbeing becomes a priority for families worldwide, Meta’s expanded protections mark a significant step toward safer social media engagement for younger users. The company plans to continue refining these features based on user feedback and evolving safety standards.
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