Meta has announced new built-in restrictions for teen accounts on Instagram and confirmed the expansion of Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger. The company said the changes aim to give parents more peace of mind and strengthen protections for teens across its platforms.
Instagram Teen Accounts: Updated Restrictions
Meta noted that teens are automatically placed into Teen Accounts, which come with strict default settings. Teens under 16 need parental permission to change these settings to less strict ones.
According to Meta, since these restrictions were introduced, 97% of teens aged 13 to 15 have stayed within the default settings, which are designed to offer an age-appropriate experience.
New Instagram Protections for Teens
Responding to parental concerns about unwanted contact, Meta is adding new restrictions to Instagram Teen Accounts:
- Teens under 16 will be blocked from going Live on Instagram unless a parent gives them permission.
- Teens will also need parental approval to disable a feature that blurs images in direct messages (DMs) if suspected nudity is detected.
Meta emphasized that these changes build on existing protections already in place for Teen Accounts.
Teen Accounts Now on Facebook and Messenger
Meta stated that starting April 8, Teen Accounts will also be available on Facebook and Messenger. These accounts will include similar automatic protections to help limit exposure to inappropriate content, reduce unwanted interactions, and support healthy usage habits. Meta said the rollout is aimed at helping parents feel more in control of their teens’ experiences across all Meta platforms.
Feedback From Parents and Usage Data
As of April 8, 2025 (1:40 PM PT), Meta reported that over 54 million Teen Accounts are active globally. The company added that more are expected as the rollout continues.
These Teen Accounts come with features such as:
- Private accounts by default
- The strictest content control settings
- Overnight notifications turned off
- App usage reminders after 60 minutes
- Restrictions on who can send messages—only people the teen follows or is already connected to
Meta said these features were created with parents’ top concerns in mind, and that the company continues to engage in research to understand their views. A recent U.S. survey by Ipsos, commissioned by Meta, found:
- 94% of parents believe Teen Accounts are helpful for them
- 85% said the features make it easier to support teens’ positive experiences on Instagram
- Over 90% of parents found each built-in protection feature helpful
Availability
Meta said the new Instagram Teen Account protections will roll out in the coming months. The expansion of Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger began on April 8 in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia, with plans to extend the experience to other countries soon.
In its announcement, Meta stated:
We’re excited about the progress we’ve made, and will continue to work to make our apps a safe place for teens.