Meta has unveiled a new feature called “Teen Accounts” aimed at better safeguarding underage users on Instagram. This initiative comes in response to increasing concerns over the platform’s impact on the mental health of its younger audience, with issues such as addiction, cyberbullying, and body image distress being prominent.
Antigone Davis, Meta’s vice president of safety, stated that accounts for users aged 13 to 17 will now be set to private by default. The updated policy also includes tighter controls on who can interact with these users and the types of content they can access. For those aged 13 to 15 who wish to maintain a public profile, parental consent will be required.
This announcement follows mounting pressure from governments and advocacy groups globally. In the United States, multiple states have filed complaints against Meta, alleging that its platforms contribute to the mental health crisis among young people. In Australia, plans are underway to establish a minimum age requirement of 14 to 16 for social media usage.
Davis suggested that a more effective age verification process could be implemented through smartphone operating systems, which would allow for enhanced safety measures without burdening all users with identity verification.
However, some experts remain cautious about these changes. Matthew Bergman, founder of the Social Media Victims Law Center, highlighted the addictive nature of Instagram and the associated risks of harmful content. He noted that while Meta’s recent steps are positive, more significant reforms are necessary to mitigate addiction and ensure user safety.
