Instagram rolls out teen accounts: What this means for young users

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Instagram has become a digital diary for users and even serves as a versatile portfolio for various professions, including social media managers, models, influencers and brand ambassadors. It also captures the everyday moments of our lives.

And in an era where social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, Instagram is stepping up to address the needs of its younger audience. Recently, the platform unveiled its latest feature. 

Designed specifically for users under 18, teen accounts come equipped with enhanced privacy settings, aiming to create a safer online environment for teenagers. As part of this shift, Instagram recognizes the importance of ensuring that its younger users navigate the platform securely. 

So how does this work?

From now on, any user aged 13 to 17 will automatically be assigned a teen account, whether they are existing users or signing up for the first time. 

According to Meta Newsroom, the teen accounts come with a host of built-in protections aimed at safeguarding users. For instance, teenagers aged 15 and under will require parental permission to modify their account settings. 

In a statement released by Meta, Instagram’s parent company, the platform highlighted its commitment to addressing parental concerns. 

“We understand that parents want to feel confident that their teens can connect with friends and explore their interests without facing unsafe or inappropriate experiences,” the statement read. 

The new teen accounts aim to foster a positive online atmosphere, limiting who can contact teens and filtering the content they see. Additionally, teen accounts offer a new feature tailored for young users, allowing them to select topics they wish to see more of in their Explore feed.

This ensures that their browsing experience is not only safe but also enjoyable, as they can focus on content that resonates with their interests and preferences.