Instagram’s New Teen Safety Features

Homeschooling with Technology

298: Instagram’s New Teen Safety Features

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Episode Highlights:

1. Overview of Instagram’s New Safety Features for Teens
   • Instagram has introduced several safety protocols for users aged 13-18, defaulting their accounts to private to limit access by unknown adults.
   • Parental supervision settings vary for teens aged 13-15, while those aged 16+ have more autonomy but can opt for additional parental controls.
2. Key Features Introduced by Instagram:
   • Restricted Messaging: Teens can only message users they follow, which reduces the risk of unsolicited messages from strangers.
   • Sensitive Content Filtering: Topics like mental health and other sensitive subjects are monitored, directing teens toward expert resources rather than peer advice.
   • Time and Notification Limits: After 60 minutes of use, teens receive reminders, with a “sleep mode” between 10 PM and 7 AM to limit notifications overnight.
3. Parental Control & Teen Feedback:
   • Parents can now monitor messaging activity and restrict specific app use times.
4. Challenges with Enforcement and Teen Workarounds:
   • Instagram uses AI to identify potential age misrepresentation, flagging new accounts and suspicious behavior patterns.
   • While these safeguards aren’t foolproof, they represent a step toward more secure use for teens.
5. Resources and Additional Reading:
   • The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt for parents wanting more context on the effects of social media on teens.
   • https://familycenter.meta.com/instagram-safety
   • https://about.fb.com/news/2024/09/instagram-teen-accounts

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