Instagram sets PG-13 settings by default for teen accounts, strengthens parental controls

Meta has announced that Instagram will now guide teen accounts using standards similar to PG-13 movie ratings. This change means teens under 18 will be shown content that aligns with PG-13 guidelines by default. Building on this, teens will be automatically placed into an updated 13+ content setting. They can only move out of this restrictive mode with explicit parental permission.

To support parental involvement, Meta is introducing a stricter setting for guardians who prefer even tighter content controls. In addition to toggling these settings, parents will have new tools to provide feedback, including the ability to report content they believe should remain inaccessible to teens.

Since teens may attempt to circumvent these protections, Instagram is upgrading its age prediction technology to enforce safeguards even if a user reports being over 18. According to Meta, these measures represent the most substantial changes to teen account controls since the feature launched last year.