Share this @internewscast.com

Meta will begin removing some sensitive and “age-inappropriate” content from teenagers’ feeds, the company said in an announcement published Tuesday.

Meta already restricted topics such as self-harm, eating disorders and mental illnesses from being recommended to teens on Reels and the Explore pages of its apps. The new update also restricts these topics from appearing in young users’ feeds and Stories, even if the content was posted by people they follow.

The company said it is hiding more search results and terms relating to suicide, self-harm and eating disorders for everyone in coming weeks. Meta said it will be directing people to resources for help if they search these topics.

“We want teens to have safe, age-appropriate experiences on our apps,” the company wrote in a blog post announcing the changes.

Teens will have the most restrictive content control settings on Facebook and Instagram by default. This measure is being used to reduce the amount of sensitive content that they are exposed to on Meta’s apps.

Meta will also send notifications and prompts to teens to encourage them to update their settings to make their accounts more private.

The shift comes as the social networking giant has remained the target of intense scrutiny over how its products affect young people.

Meta was sued in 2022 by one family for recommending their teen daughter content that glorified anorexia and self-harm on Instagram. The company was also criticized following the release of the “Facebook Papers,” internal Meta research documents leaked in 2021, which revealed that the company was aware of Instagram’s harmful effects on teen girls.

More recently, a former engineering director and consultant for the social media company testified in a congressional hearing in November that Meta needed to do more to keep children safe. In October, a bipartisan group of 33 state attorneys general sued Meta in connection with what they said were addictive features aimed at young people.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg responded to backlash over its policies for children in a Facebook post in 2021.

“I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on the kinds of experiences I want my kids and others to have online, and it’s very important to me that everything we build is safe and good for kids,” he said in the post.

In its announcement Tuesday, Meta said it has “developed more than 30 tools and resources to support teens and their parents” and regularly consults with experts to make its platforms safer.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
A new Gallup poll shows how Americans’ sympathies have shifted in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Gallup Poll Uncovers Changing American Perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

By LINLEY SANDERS WASHINGTON (AP) — A significant transformation in American perceptions…
Serial Child Predator's Parole Now Thwarted by Cold Case Warrant

Cold Case Breakthrough: Serial Child Predator’s Parole Halted by New Warrant

Many of us have often felt exasperated with the justice system’s revolving-door…
Los Angeles social media addiction trial: Plaintiff identified only as KGM describes emotional toll of Instagram, YouTube use

Los Angeles Trial Explores Emotional Impact of Social Media: Plaintiff KGM Shares Experiences with Instagram and YouTube

In a groundbreaking trial taking place in Los Angeles, a 20-year-old woman…
Viral trend in Argentina has young people identifying themselves as animals

Exploring Argentina’s Viral Trend: Why Young People Are Embracing Animal Identities

BUENOS AIRES — On a recent Sunday, a plaza in Buenos Aires…
Trump takes victory lap as judge allows construction of ballroom

Judge Greenlights Trump’s Ballroom Project: A Triumph for the Former President

WASHINGTON — President Trump celebrated on Thursday after a federal judge gave…
'Obsessed' Florida truck driver who was killed in gun battle with Cuban coast guard

Florida Trucker Fatally Shot in Gunfight with Cuban Coast Guard Amid Obsession Allegations

A Florida-based truck driver, fatally engaged in a standoff with Cuba’s coast…
Calls for justice at Harlem funeral of boy, 2, whose dad is accused of beating him to death

Heartfelt Pleas for Justice Echo at Harlem Funeral for 2-Year-Old Boy, Allegedly Killed by Father

At just 32 months old, Maliek Morrison’s life was tragically cut short,…
Chicago Public Schools to shut down 2 ASPIRA charter schools

Chicago Public Schools’ Bold Move: Closure of Two ASPIRA Charter Schools Uncovered

CHICAGO — In a significant move, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has announced…
Ex-nonprofit boss allegedly swiped $1.2M meant for homeless programs to fund lavish lifestyle, DA says

Former Nonprofit CEO Accused of Embezzling $1.2M from Homeless Funds for Personal Luxury

The leader of a city-funded nonprofit in San Francisco is accused of…
Family scammed out of $28k after one simple traveling mistake

How One Costly Travel Blunder Cost This Family $28K: Avoid This Common Scam

Natasha and her family had no idea that a simple suitcase mix-up…
Jasmine Crockett ridiculed for having armed guards boot 'white girl' reporter from event: 'Not ready for primetime' 

Controversy Erupts: Jasmine Crockett Faces Backlash for Removing Reporter from Event

Representative Jasmine Crockett faced online criticism on Thursday after reportedly having armed…
Crockett Surges to 12-Point Lead in Senate Primary As Texas Democrats Consolidate

Crockett Takes Commanding 12-Point Lead in Senate Primary Amidst Texas Democrats’ Unification

Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett from Texas’s 30th district is no longer just…