Instagram Introduces Teen Accounts in India with Enhanced Parental Controls
Meta Aims to Strengthen Online Safety for Minors
Meta-owned Instagram has announced the rollout of “Teen Accounts” in India, a move aimed at enhancing online safety and parental oversight for users under 16 years of age. This initiative is part of Meta’s broader efforts to create a more secure and age-appropriate digital environment for young users.
According to a blog post by Meta, the Instagram Teen Accounts feature focuses on:
- Strengthening protections for minors
- Enhancing content controls
- Empowering parents with new supervision tools
The platform has been under increasing scrutiny regarding its impact on younger users, particularly concerning screen time, exposure to harmful content, and online interactions. The introduction of Teen Accounts marks a significant step in Instagram’s commitment to online safety, aligning with global digital protection frameworks.
Key Features of Instagram Teen Accounts
1. Private Accounts by Default
- All Teen Accounts will be set to private automatically.
- Users must manually approve followers before they can view posts.
- This rule extends to all users under 18, ensuring stronger privacy settings for minors.
2. Restricted Interaction with Non-Followers
- Non-followers cannot view profiles, posts, or stories of teen users.
- Only approved followers will be able to send direct messages (DMs).
- Strangers or unknown users will not be able to comment on posts or interact with stories.
3. Filtering of Sensitive Content
- Instagram will automatically restrict exposure to content that includes:
- Physical violence (e.g., fights, bullying, abuse videos)
- Promotional material related to cosmetic surgeries or body-enhancing products
- These filters aim to protect young users from harmful or inappropriate content.
4. Tagging and Mentioning Restrictions
- Teens can only be tagged or mentioned in posts and comments by people they follow.
- Offensive language in comments and DMs will be automatically filtered out.
5. Screen Time and Sleep Mode Features
- To combat excessive screen time, Instagram will:
- Send notifications prompting users to exit the app every hour.
- Activate Sleep Mode from 10 PM to 7 AM, during which:
- All notifications will be muted
- Automated replies will be sent to direct messages
These measures are designed to encourage healthier digital habits and prevent social media addiction among teens.
Parental Supervision Features for Teen Accounts
Meta has also introduced enhanced parental controls, which will soon be available for parents of teens over 16. These supervision tools include:
- Monitoring recent conversations to ensure safe interactions.
- Setting daily screen time limits for their teen’s Instagram usage.
- Blocking access to the app during specific hours, such as study or bedtime.
These features align with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) of India, which mandates platforms to obtain verifiable parental consent for users under 18.
Global Context: Aligning with International Digital Protection Norms
Instagram’s Teen Accounts initiative follows global regulatory trends aimed at protecting minors in digital spaces.
Australia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s
- In 2024, the Australian government passed a law prohibiting social media access for children under 16.
- Platforms operating in Australia must ensure strict age verification and parental supervision mechanisms.
India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023
- Although India does not yet have a legal age restriction for social media access, the DPDPA requires platforms to secure parental consent for minors.
- Instagram’s new Teen Accounts feature appears to be a proactive measure ahead of stricter data protection enforcement in India.
With Instagram now rolling out these controls in India, it is evident that Meta is gearing up for compliance with evolving regulations worldwide.
Phased Rollout of Instagram Teen Accounts in India
Meta has confirmed that the Teen Accounts feature will be introduced gradually across India. The phased approach will allow testing, refinement, and adaptation based on user feedback and regulatory developments.
While the exact nationwide implementation timeline has not been disclosed, parents and teenagers are encouraged to stay updated on the rollout via Instagram’s official announcements.
