Meta announced on Tuesday that teen Instagram accounts will now show only PG-13 content by default. Teens cannot change this setting without parental permission. The platform will block photos, videos, and posts with sexual content, drugs, or dangerous stunts.
“This includes hiding or not recommending posts with strong language, risky stunts, and content that could encourage potentially harmful behaviors, such as posts showing marijuana paraphernalia,” Meta said in a blog post. The company called it “the most significant update” since teen accounts launched last year.
Meta also added a stricter parental control option. Parents can now further limit what their children see on Instagram.
Addressing Teen Safety Concerns
Meta faces growing criticism over its impact on teenagers. The company already blocks posts about self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide for teen users. However, gaps remain.
A recent report found that researcher-created teen accounts were recommended content with sexual themes, nudity, and disturbing imagery. Teens also encountered posts about self-harm and body image, which can harm mental health or encourage suicidal thoughts.
New Safety Measures
Under the new rules, teens cannot follow accounts that post inappropriate content or link to adult sites like OnlyFans. If teens already follow such accounts, they will not see their posts or comments. These accounts cannot message teens or comment on their posts.
Meta also expanded blocked search terms. Previously, searches about suicide and eating disorders were restricted. Now, searches including “alcohol” and “gore” — even with misspellings — are blocked.
AI and Parental Controls
The PG-13 limits also apply to AI chat tools for teens. AI responses will remain age-appropriate. Parents can enable a “limited content” mode. This blocks more posts and stops teens from commenting or receiving interactions on certain content.
Meta said these updates aim to give teenagers a safer experience while addressing concerns from parents and regulators.