In an effort to provide a safer online environment, Instagram is introducing a “Parental Guidance” model for all its users under the age of 18. The social media platform, owned by Meta, will now automatically filter content for teenagers using a system it compares to the PG-13 movie rating.
This new system will make a more restrictive “13+” setting the default for all teen accounts. This proactive measure ensures that stronger protections are in place from the moment a teen joins the platform. Importantly, parents will hold the key, as their permission will be required for a teen to switch to a less filtered setting.
The PG-13 inspired rules will expand on what Instagram considers inappropriate for younger audiences. The platform will now work to hide content with strong language and depictions of dangerous stunts. It will also demote posts that might encourage harmful behaviors and will block users from searching for terms related to gore, alcohol, and other sensitive topics.
This policy shift is widely seen as a response to growing criticism and regulatory threats. A recent report, which involved a former Meta whistleblower, was particularly harsh, stating that “Kids are not safe on Instagram.” This new PG-13 system is Meta’s most visible effort yet to combat that narrative.
The feature is scheduled for an initial release in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, with other countries to follow. However, safety campaigners are not yet convinced. They emphasize that Meta has a history of announcing safety features that prove ineffective and are calling for the company to allow independent verification of the new system’s performance.