In a bid to bolster the safety of teenage users on its platforms, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has introduced new default settings and parental supervision tools.
Under these changes, teenage users, specifically those under 16 (or under 18 in certain regions), will now benefit from enhanced privacy measures by default. As a result, they can only be messaged or included in group chats by individuals they already follow or have a connection with on the platform. This adjustment is aimed at providing teens and their parents with greater confidence that they will not receive unsolicited messages from unknown individuals in their direct messages (DMs).
The modifications to default settings will be applicable to both Instagram and Messenger. Current users of Instagram will be promptly notified of these changes through a notification at the top of their feed.
Furthermore, Meta has also implemented an update to allow parents to approve or decline changes made by their children to default privacy settings. Previously, parents were merely informed when their child modified these settings.
Meta expressed its commitment to facilitating offline conversations between parents and teenagers as they navigate the digital landscape together. These changes seek to empower parents in actively managing their children’s online experiences while respecting their evolving needs.
These updates come at a time when Meta is facing increasing scrutiny regarding the impact of its platforms on the safety and mental well-being of younger users. On Wednesday, there were calls to consider banning social media access and smartphone usage for individuals under the age of 16.
Conservative MP Miriam Cates, during a Prime Minister’s Questions session, highlighted a concerning rise in adolescent mental health issues since 2010. She urged for more stringent measures to address these challenges.
As Meta strives to address these concerns, the company continues to evolve its safety and privacy features to create a safer online environment for all users, particularly young individuals.
