Meta Enhances Teen Safety Features Across Platforms
Meta is taking significant steps to bolster the safety of its younger users by transitioning more teenagers on Facebook and Messenger to specialized “teen accounts.” This initiative introduces enhanced parental controls and protective measures tailored for adolescents, responding to the growing presence of teens on its platforms. The company reports that “hundreds of millions” of teenagers are already utilizing these accounts across Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.
Originally launched on Instagram a year ago, the rollout of teen accounts to Facebook and Messenger began earlier this year, initially targeting users in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. Now, Meta is expanding this initiative globally, making these accounts mandatory for all teens. Notably, younger teens aged 13 to 15 are required to obtain parental consent to modify safety-related settings. To ensure compliance, Meta employs artificial intelligence to identify users who may be misrepresenting their age.
The features of these teen accounts empower parents to oversee their children’s interactions on Meta’s platforms. Parents can monitor screen time and gain insights into whom their children are messaging. Additionally, the accounts are designed with stricter privacy and safety settings, limiting contact with unfamiliar adults.
In a parallel effort, Instagram is broadening its program aimed at facilitating the reporting of bullying and other concerning behaviors in US middle and high schools. Previously in a pilot phase with select institutions, the “school partnership program” has garnered positive feedback from participating schools, prompting Meta to invite any US-based school to join the initiative.
Over the past few years, Meta has been actively enhancing its parental control features, striving to address gaps in its safety protocols. This focus on youth safety comes amid ongoing lawsuits and investigations regarding the company’s track record in protecting children online.
Update, September 25, 2025, 9:03 AM ET: Clarified the age range for teen accounts.
