Instagram is rolling out its most significant update yet to “Teen Accounts,” introducing new PG-13–based content settings for users under 18. Starting this week, teen accounts will automatically shift to a “13+” setting designed to mirror the themes, language, and visuals typical of PG-13 movies.
Aligning with Parental Expectations
Meta’s Global Director of Public Policy, Tara Hopkins, said the change aims to give parents a familiar reference point. “We’re doing this to really speak the language of parents who are much more familiar with movie ratings,” she told Good Morning America.
Instagram first launched Teen Accounts in 2024 to strengthen protections for young users amid growing pressure from lawmakers, parents, and advocacy groups.
New Restrictions and Parental Controls
Under the updated guidelines, teens cannot opt out of the “13+” setting without parental permission. Parents who want stricter limits can select a Limited Content mode, which filters more material and removes commenting features.
Content involving marijuana, alcohol, extreme stunts, suggestive themes, or strong language will be further restricted from teens’ feeds, Reels, and Explore pages. Meta is also expanding its age-prediction technology to prevent teens from bypassing these controls.
Parental Involvement and Feedback
Parents can report inappropriate content and share feedback with Instagram. So far, over 3 million pieces of content have been rated globally through this initiative. A recent Ipsos survey found 95% of U.S. parents believe the new settings will help, and 90% say the changes make it easier to understand what their teens see online.
Broader Safety Measures
Instagram is also tightening controls around teen accounts by blocking mature search terms, limiting interactions with flagged accounts, and aligning AI responses with PG-13 standards.
The new settings are launching in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada, with global expansion planned for 2026. Meta says it will continue refining Teen Accounts to make the Instagram experience safer and easier for parents to understand.
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