Meta has launched a new feature called Teen Accounts on Instagram, created to give users under the age of sixteen a safer environment.
This campaign was launched in response to politicians’ criticism of the social media behemoth for failing to sufficiently protect its user base of minors.
There are worries that not enough is being done to protect children from inappropriate content. That’s why social media businesses all around are being pressured to make their platforms safer because
Teens will be immediately transferred into these accounts, which have stronger content filters and built-in safety safeguards.
Teens will require parental consent to lift restrictions, allowing parents to have more control over their internet experience.
The NSPCC’s online child safety policy manager, Rani Govender, asserted that Meta and other social media firms needed to step up their own efforts.
She stated, “This must be backed up by proactive measures that prevent harmful content and sexual abuse from proliferating Instagram in the first place, so all children have the benefit of comprehensive protections on the products they use.”
The changes were explained by Meta as a “new experience for teens, guided by parents,” and she says they will “better support parents and give them peace of mind that their teens are safe with the right protections in place.”
The Wall Street Journal found that Instagram was suggesting sexual content to teenagers, which led to the launch of Teen Accounts. As a result, policies that restrict interactions and expose users to unsuitable content are put in place by Meta.
In spite of all these limitations, teens will still be able to pursue their hobbies.
In order to encourage young users to interact with positive, customized material, Meta is introducing topic-based content suggestions in areas such as Animals & Pets, Soccer, Technology, and Cooking through the platform’s Explore page.
