Instagram is taking steps to create a safer online environment for teenagers by introducing PG-13 content restrictions for users under 18. This move aims to limit exposure to mature themes, including strong language, drug use, violence, and nudity, and provide parents with more control over their teens’ online experiences.
Under the new policy, teen accounts will be automatically placed in a PG-13 setting, restricting access to adult content and blocking search terms related to mature topics. The platform’s AI tools will also be guided by PG-13 standards, ensuring that interactions with teens remain age-appropriate. Additionally, Instagram will limit the ability of teens to follow or be followed by accounts that consistently share age-inappropriate content.
Parents who want even stricter controls can opt for a “Limited Content” mode, which filters out more mature material and removes teens’ ability to leave or receive comments. According to a survey commissioned by Meta, 95% of US parents believe the updated settings will contribute to a safer online environment for teens, and 90% said it makes it easier to understand what their teens are seeing online.
The update is part of Meta’s broader efforts to enhance child safety features and address concerns about the impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health. By aligning its content rules with the familiar PG-13 rating system, Instagram aims to make its platform more understandable and safer for families.
