Meta has announced the global rollout of its “teen accounts,” a move aimed at enhancing the safety and security of adolescent users on Facebook and Messenger. This initiative comes several months after the accounts were first introduced in key English-speaking markets.
Expanding Protections for Young Users
In a recent blog post, the tech giant revealed that it has successfully transitioned hundreds of millions of teens into these specialized accounts across its platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. The expansion marks a significant step in Meta’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding younger audiences.
Originally launched on Instagram last year, the teen accounts are designed specifically for users aged 13 to 17. They come equipped with enhanced security settings, content restrictions, and parental controls. This initiative was first extended to users in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK earlier this year, and now it is set to reach a global audience.
- Automatic Protections: The accounts feature built-in safeguards that address common parental concerns, such as limiting interactions with strangers and controlling the type of content accessible to teens.
- Parental Consent: For users under 16, the restrictions cannot be lifted without explicit parental consent, ensuring that guardians remain involved in their children’s online experiences.
Meta emphasizes that these measures are not merely precautionary; they are a proactive response to growing worries about the impact of social media on young people. As discussions around screen time and online moderation intensify, the company aims to ensure that teens can engage with their platforms in a safe and meaningful way.
