Instagram has unveiled a new feature called “teen accounts,” aimed at keeping users under 18 safe on the platform. This new feature is part of Meta’s ongoing efforts to protect young people using social media.

All accounts belonging to users under the age of 18 will automatically convert to teen accounts, which will be set to private by default. This means only people the teen follows, or who are already connected with them, can send messages. The goal is to help teens manage who can contact them and limit unwanted interactions.

Another safety feature is Instagram’s restriction on sensitive content. Teens will be shielded from seeing posts or videos that contain violence, promote cosmetic procedures, or include offensive language. The platform will also automatically block harmful words and phrases in comments and direct message requests.

Instagram is also addressing the issue of screen time. Teen accounts will receive notifications reminding users to take breaks after 60 minutes of daily use. Additionally, there’s a “sleep mode” feature that silences notifications between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., letting teens focus on rest. During this time, an auto-reply will inform message senders that the teen will respond during the day.

Parental involvement is also built into the teen accounts. Teens under 16 will need their parents’ permission to modify these settings, while teens aged 16 and 17 can change them independently. Parents will also have access to tools that let them monitor their child’s activity and set limits on app usage.

The teen accounts feature will roll out within the next 60 days in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, with a global rollout expected by January. By 2025, Meta plans to introduce similar safety features across all its platforms.

This initiative shows Instagram’s commitment to creating a safer online space for teenagers while giving parents greater control and insight into their children’s social media activities.