Instagram has expanded its revamped Teen Accounts feature in India, introducing stricter safeguards to ensure that young users are primarily exposed to age-appropriate content. The move comes as part of a broader push by Meta Platforms Inc to create a safer digital environment for teenagers.

Under the updated system, all users under 18 are automatically placed into a revised “13+ content” setting. This setting cannot be changed by teens themselves; any relaxation of restrictions requires parental approval. The rollout has begun in India, with plans to extend the feature to other countries in the near future.

Meta says the experience is designed to mirror content standards typically associated with films rated for teenagers. While some mild suggestive material or occasional strong language may still appear, the platform aims to minimize such exposure significantly.

As part of the update, Instagram has tightened its content moderation policies. Beyond existing restrictions on explicit or graphic material, the platform will now further limit posts that include strong language, risky stunts, or content that could promote harmful behavior. Content involving substances such as alcohol or marijuana will also face stricter controls.

The changes extend across the platform. Teen users will be prevented from following or interacting with accounts that frequently share inappropriate material, and such accounts will also be blocked from contacting teens. Search functionality has also been refined: sensitive topics—including self-harm or substance use—will be filtered out, even when users attempt to bypass restrictions through misspellings.

Additionally, restricted content will be excluded from feeds, Stories, Reels, Explore pages, and even links shared via direct messages. Instagram is also enhancing its use of artificial intelligence to ensure recommendations and responses remain appropriate for younger audiences.

Parents retain the option to apply even stricter controls through a “Limited Content” mode, which further restricts exposure and limits interactions such as commenting on posts.

These changes come amid increasing global scrutiny over children’s use of social media. In Australia, policymakers have been actively debating stricter regulations, including proposals to raise the minimum age for social media access and enforce stronger age-verification systems. The country has already implemented measures like the Online Safety Act 2021, aimed at protecting users—especially minors—from harmful online content.

Meanwhile, in India, the government has introduced frameworks such as the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which require platforms to exercise greater responsibility in moderating harmful content and protecting young users. Discussions are also ongoing around expanding digital safety rules specifically for children, including stricter parental controls and platform accountability.

Inputs from India Today 

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