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Meta Introduces New Safety Measures for Instagram Accounts Featuring Children
In a recent blog post, Meta announced additional safeguards for Instagram accounts run by adults that primarily feature children. These accounts will now be automatically placed into the app’s strictest message settings to prevent unwanted messages. The platform’s “Hidden Words” feature will also be enabled to filter offensive comments on these accounts. Moreover, new safety features are being rolled out for teen accounts as well.
Keeping Kids Safe Online
Accounts that will be affected by the new message settings include those run by adults who frequently share photos and videos of children, as well as accounts managed by parents or talent managers representing children. Meta acknowledges that while these accounts are mostly used innocently, there are individuals who may try to exploit them by leaving inappropriate comments or soliciting sexual content in direct messages.
Preventing Abuse and Exploitation
To prevent potentially suspicious adults from accessing accounts primarily featuring children, Meta will take steps to block these individuals from finding such accounts on Instagram. The company will also avoid recommending suspicious adults to these accounts and make it harder for them to connect through Instagram Search.
Addressing Mental Health Concerns
Today’s announcement comes in response to growing concerns over mental health issues related to social media use. Various states, including the U.S. Surgeon General, have highlighted these concerns, with some states going as far as requiring parental consent for minors to access social media platforms.
Empowering Teens with Safety Features
In addition to the new safety measures for accounts featuring children, Meta is introducing new safety features for Direct Messages (DMs) on Teen Accounts. These features include safety tips for teens, display of account joining date in chats, and an option to block and report users simultaneously. Meta aims to provide teens with more information about the accounts they interact with and help them identify potential scammers.
Encouraging Positive Online Behavior
Meta reports that teens have been proactive in responding to safety notices, blocking accounts and reporting suspicious activity. The company also shared updates on the effectiveness of its nudity protection filter, noting that the majority of users, including teens, have kept it enabled.
By implementing these new safety measures, Meta is taking steps to create a safer online environment for children and teens on Instagram.
