Instagram is set to launch a sweeping update for its teenage users, introducing a content moderation framework that mirrors the “Parental Guidance” system used for films. The social media giant, owned by Meta, says this will create a safer and more age-appropriate environment for users under the age of 18.
The centerpiece of this update is a new default setting for all teen accounts, which the company likens to a PG-13 rating. This means a more filtered feed will be the standard experience, and teens will no longer be able to opt for fewer restrictions without getting a green light from their parents. This move shifts the responsibility, requiring active parental involvement for greater exposure.
Meta detailed that the new system will filter out a broader range of content than before. While graphic violence and sexually explicit material are already restricted, the PG-13 setting will add strong language, risky challenges or stunts, and content promoting things like marijuana use to the list of hidden or non-recommended posts. The platform will also proactively block searches for terms deemed inappropriate for this age group.
The decision to implement these changes comes at a time of heightened criticism. A recent independent review, spearheaded by a former Meta engineer, found that a majority of the platform’s safety tools were failing. While Meta refutes the report, this new feature can be seen as an attempt to address the core concerns raised by safety advocates and regulators.
The new PG-13 system will be introduced first in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia before expanding globally next year. Campaigners, however, are withholding applause, stating that past promises have not always led to effective safety improvements and that Meta must provide transparency to prove these updates are more than just words.