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Meta implements new restrictions for teen accounts on Instagram and Facebook

By Rajiv Menon
1 min read
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Meta announced it will start hiding harmful content for Instagram and Facebook teen accounts. The company confirmed that it will automatically place all teens accounts into “the most restrictive control settings” on both its social networks, Instagram and Facebook.

Besides that, Meta will restrict additional terms in Search on Instagram. Harmful and other types of age-inappropriate content aren’t usually recommended to teens in places like Reels and Explore, but once these changes are implemented, Meta will no longer show it too teens in Feed and Stories, even if it’s shared by someone they follow.
New teens who join Instagram and Facebook will now have their accounts placed into the most restrictive content control setting by default. In the future, this will expand to teens who are already using both Meta’s social apps.

Another important change involves content about suicide, self-harm and eating disorders. While these topics are very serious and must be treated accordingly, Meta will start hiding related results when teens search for these specific terms.

Instead, teens will be directed to expert resources for help. According to Meta, this specific update will roll out for everyone over the coming weeks.
Last but not least, Meta will start sending new notifications encouraging teens to update their settings to a more private experience. If they choose to “Turn on recommended settings,” Meta will automatically change their settings to restrict who can repost their content, tag or mention them, as well as include their content in Reels Remixes. Also, only their followers will be able to message them.

Questions & Answers

Q.

What specific content types will Meta stop showing to teens in their feeds?

A.

Meta will no longer show harmful and other age-inappropriate content to teens in Feed and Stories. This applies even if the content is shared by accounts they already follow, expanding on existing restrictions in Reels and Explore.

Q.

Will these new restrictive settings apply to all teen accounts immediately?

A.

New teen accounts joining Instagram and Facebook will have the most restrictive settings by default. These expanded restrictions will roll out to existing teen accounts at a later, unspecified date.

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