To protect children online, Instagram has introduced a new feature called “Teen Accounts”, which will limit content and contact with children up to 16 years of age.
According to the report, the Instagram spokesperson said in his statement that the accounts of children up to the age of 16 will automatically be converted into teen accounts and if they want to reduce restrictions by changing the settings, they should contact their parents.
This feature allows parents to monitor their children’s online activities such as what content they are viewing and who they are interacting with.
On the other hand, kids will also get a feature designed just for them and through which they will be able to watch positive content on topics of their choice.
Antigoni Davis, Metta’s global head of safety, said: “We are reconfiguring the online connection of millions of teenagers on our app so that parents can better monitor their children.”
The measures have been introduced at a time when the US Congress is debating child online safety laws, which if passed would be the biggest changes to child online safety laws.
What kind of restrictions will be in TEEN accounts?
Certain restrictions and safeguards have been implemented on Instagram “Teen Accounts” to keep children safe online. These settings and restrictions are as follows:
Private accounts
Teen accounts will be set to private by default, meaning content on a child’s account will only be visible to people who are their followers. Also, people who don’t follow them, won’t be able to contact them either.
Messaging restriction
Strict messaging settings will be implemented so that children can only message people they follow or are already in contact with.
Restriction of sensitive content
Children’s accounts will have the strictest sensitive content control settings. These settings will limit what content a child is exposed to, such as posts or reels advertising fights or cosmetic procedures.
