Instagram Introduces New Content Guidelines for Teen Users and Parental Controls

Instagram introduces new restrictions for teen accounts, aligning with PG-13 movie ratings. Teens under 18 will be placed in a 13+ setting and can't opt out without parental permission. The app will show teens only content suitable for a PG-13 film, with stricter content settings available for families. Instagram will also use AI to identify and restrict inappropriate content and block links to such content shared via DMs.

Instagram, owned by Meta, has announced significant updates to its safety measures for teen accounts, aligning with PG-13 movie ratings. Effective immediately, teens under 18 will be placed in a 13+ setting and cannot opt out without parental permission Instagram sets PG-13 limits for teens, tightening parental controls^[2]. The app will show teens only content suitable for a PG-13 film, with stricter content settings available for families. Instagram will also use AI to identify and restrict inappropriate content, blocking links to such content shared via DMs.

The new restrictions aim to protect younger users from inappropriate content and improve online safety. The update includes age-gating features that prevent teen users from interacting with accounts that regularly post age-inappropriate content. Additionally, Instagram is expanding its search term restrictions to include a broader range of terms, such as "alcohol" or "gore," even when misspelled Instagram Implements PG-13 Filters for Teen Accounts in Major Safety Update^[1].

Parents will have the option to implement even stricter controls through a new "Limited Content" setting. This feature will block additional content types and remove teens' ability to view, leave, or receive comments on posts. Starting in 2026, the Limited Content setting will also restrict the types of AI conversations teens can have on the platform, further tightening safety controls Instagram Implements PG-13 Filters for Teen Accounts in Major Safety Update^[1].

The PG-13 policy will be rolled out by the end of the year for teen accounts in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Meta reports that a recent survey found 95% of U.S. parents with teens believe these updated Instagram settings will be helpful Instagram Implements PG-13 Filters for Teen Accounts in Major Safety Update^[1].

These changes come as part of Instagram's ongoing efforts to improve safety for younger users. The platform had previously introduced teen accounts with built-in protections, including private accounts by default, messaging restrictions, and daily usage reminders Instagram Implements PG-13 Filters for Teen Accounts in Major Safety Update^[1].

As social media platforms continue to face scrutiny over their impact on young users, Instagram's latest update represents a significant step towards creating a safer online environment for teenagers. However, the effectiveness of these measures in addressing broader concerns about social media's influence on teen mental health and well-being remains to be seen.