“Online Awareness”: Instagram Tightens Teen Safety Measures Amid Growing Concerns

Image by freepik

Instagram has announced new safety rules aimed at protecting teenagers from potentially harmful content, reigniting the debate over screen time and mental health in the digital age.

The platform, owned by Meta, will now automatically apply a “13+” content filter to all accounts belonging to users under 18. The move aligns Instagram’s standards with the PG-13 rating used in U.S. cinemas, restricting access to posts that include strong language, adult themes, or risky behaviors such as substance use and dangerous challenges.

Searches for terms like “alcohol” and “blood” will be blocked, and teens will be prevented from following accounts flagged for inappropriate content.

“This is a step in the right direction,” said Dr. Sandro Barros, a therapist specializing in adolescent behavior. “But no algorithm can replace the importance of parental guidance and open conversations at home.”

The update comes as social media platforms face mounting pressure over their impact on youth mental health. Recent studies and congressional hearings have linked excessive screen time to increased anxiety, depression, and body image issues among teens. States like California and Utah have introduced legislation to curb how tech companies engage with minors online.

Meta says the new settings also empower parents, who can now opt for an even stricter “limited content” mode. This enhanced filter removes the ability to comment or view comments on posts, offering an extra layer of control.

According to a recent Ipsos survey, 95% of U.S. parents believe the changes will make a meaningful difference.

“It’s not just about what teens see,” Barros added. “It’s about how long they’re exposed and how that shapes their emotional development. Monitoring screen time is just as critical as filtering content.”

The new features have already rolled out in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, with global implementation expected by 2026.