Instagram is launching a new safety feature for teens that it compares to the PG-13 movie rating, but critics are questioning whether it will be enough to protect young users. The system, announced by parent company Meta, will automatically place users under 18 in a more restricted content environment.
The new “13+” setting will become the default for all teenagers on the platform. This means that, out of the box, their experience will be more filtered. To remove these extra layers of protection, a teen must get approval from their parent, a feature designed to encourage family conversations about online safety.
According to Meta, the PG-13 mode will do more than just hide sexually suggestive or graphic content. It is also designed to filter out posts with strong language and content that depicts risky stunts or promotes harmful behaviors. Additionally, the platform will begin blocking searches for a list of sensitive keywords to prevent proactive discovery of inappropriate material.
This move is not happening in a vacuum. It comes after a scathing report from independent researchers and a former Meta insider claimed that most of Instagram’s current safety tools are ineffective. This new feature is Meta’s latest attempt to reassure parents and regulators that it is taking teen safety seriously.
The system will debut in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, with a global release planned for the following year. However, advocacy groups remain doubtful. They argue that without transparency and the ability for independent parties to test these features, there is no guarantee that this update will be any more effective than the ones that came before it.