Instagram says it's safeguarding teens by limiting them to PG-13 content
Share this @internewscast.com

Meta announced on Tuesday that teenagers using Instagram will be limited to viewing PG-13 content by default, and they cannot modify these settings without parental consent.

This policy means that users on teen-specific accounts will only see photos and videos akin to those in a PG-13 film — excluding content involving sex, drugs, or dangerous activities.

“The update includes hiding or not recommending posts with strong language, certain risky stunts, and other content that could encourage potentially harmful behaviors, such as posts showing marijuana paraphernalia,” Meta stated in a blog post on Tuesday, highlighting it as the most significant update since the introduction of teen accounts last year.

The company is also adding an even stricter setting that parents can set up for their children.

These updates follow ongoing criticism directed at the social media conglomerate concerning its effects on young users. Meta had previously committed to barring inappropriate content, such as posts about self-harm, eating disorders, or suicide, from reaching teen users.

However, this approach is not foolproof. Recent studies found that teen accounts set up by researchers were exposed to age-inappropriate sexual content, which included “graphic sexual descriptions, the use of cartoons to illustrate demeaning sexual acts, and snippets of nudity.”

Moreover, the report indicated that Instagram also suggested a “range of self-harm, self-injury, and body image content” to these teen accounts, which “could reasonably lead to negative impacts on young users, including those facing poor mental health, or experiencing self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or behaviors.”

Meta says the new restrictions go further than its previous safeguards. Teens will no longer be able to follow accounts that regularly share “age-inappropriate content” or if their name or bio contains something that isn’t appropriate for teens, such as a link to an OnlyFans account. If teens already follow these accounts, they’ll no longer be able to see or interact with their content, send them messages, or see their comments under anyone’s posts, the company said. The accounts also won’t be able to follow teens, send them private messages or comment on their posts.

Meta said it already blocks certain search terms related to sensitive topics such as suicide and eating disorders, but the latest update will expand this to a broader range of terms, such as “alcohol” or “gore” — even if they are misspelled.

The PG-13 update will also apply artificial intelligence chats and experiences targeted to teens, Meta said, “meaning AIs should not give age-inappropriate responses that would feel out of place in a PG-13 movie.”

For parents who want an even stricter setting for their kids, Meta is also launching a “limited content” restriction that will block more content and remove teens’ ability to see, leave, or receive comments under posts.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Another must-watch moment for Michael Jordan as NBA great testifies at NASCAR trial

Michael Jordan Takes the Stand: NBA Legend’s Testimony Shakes Up NASCAR Trial

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Jordan, a figure synonymous with legendary achievements, recently…
Ukraine arrests British suspect who allegedly aided Russia’s FSB in assassination plan

Ukraine Detains British National Accused of Assisting Russia’s FSB in Alleged Assassination Plot

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has apprehended a British citizen, Ross…
Taiwan Update: POTUS Reaffirms Support, Recent KMT Legislative Actions Add to Defense Budget Uncertainty

Taiwan’s Defense Budget in Focus: President’s Backing and KMT Moves Stir Debate

On Tuesday, a significant legislative development unfolded as President Trump signed the…
Alaska school district erases Veterans Day from official calendar: ‘absolutely unacceptable’

Outrage in Alaska: School District’s Controversial Move to Remove Veterans Day Sparks Backlash

Exclusive to Fox: A Republican contender for the Alaska governor’s seat has…
Trump Presents Kennedy Center Honorees with Gold Medallions

Trump Honors Kennedy Center Awardees with Prestigious Gold Medallions: A Night of Celebration

In a dazzling event held on Saturday night, President Donald Trump took…
Neptune Beach mayor defends $5 hourly nonresident parking rate for Beaches Town Center

Why Neptune Beach’s $5 Parking Fee for Nonresidents is Sparking Debate at Beaches Town Center

Neptune Beach is ushering in a new era of parking, following the…
St. John’s survives Ole Miss’ late comeback bid in defensive struggle

St. John’s Holds Off Ole Miss in Thrilling Defensive Battle

Saturday night’s showdown at Madison Square Garden may not have been a…
Russia ups jail sentence of US citizen to 10 years for beating prison staff

U.S. Citizen in Russia Faces Extended 10-Year Sentence for Assaulting Prison Guards

On Wednesday, a Russian regional court extended the prison term for American…
Missing data on bus repairs spark troubling questions about MTA fleet: investigation

Investigation Uncovers Concerning Gaps in MTA Bus Repair Records

In a startling revelation, a Daily News investigation has uncovered that hundreds…
Pretrial hearing for Luigi Mangione to resume Monday after court releases new evidence in CEO murder case

Pretrial Hearing for Luigi Mangione to Reconvene Monday Following Release of New Evidence in CEO Murder Case

NEW YORK — Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering a CEO,…
Chicago snow accumulation today: Chicago weather forecast calls for more snow amid hazardous road conditions, O'Hare flight delays

Chicago Braces for More Snow: Hazardous Roads and Flight Delays at O’Hare Amid Winter Storm

CHICAGO (WLS) — Sunday morning in Chicago is marked by persistent snowfall,…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh's money man, Charles Manson's cult, 'Smiley Face' killer theory

Former Murdaugh Family Housekeeper Reveals Lingering Fear of Mysterious White Truck from Night of Tragic Murders

The lingering shadow of a white pickup truck continues to haunt Blanca…