The new monitoring tools of Instagram are aimed at increasing parental supervision to protect their teens from online abusers and hackers. It restricts youngsters from using the app, including the type of content they encounter online.
Meta’s feature is called the Instagram ‘teen accounts’ program, which limits screen time, controls specific content views, and allows parents to monitor their kids’ online activities. It is relevant to note that with this feature all users whose age is under 18 will be turned private by default.
The new and existing accounts will require permission from the account holder before new followers can view, like, or comment on the post. Additionally, the update will prevent teenagers from receiving notifications between 10 pm and 7 am. Any type of sensitive content will be restricted, which includes nudity or discussions on self-harm.
Moreover, direct messages from unknown followers or hinting at adulterated content will be blocked immediately. According to Meta’s global head of safety, Antigone Davis, “We are rethinking the online parent-child dynamic in response to feedback from parents about their preferences and needs.”
In the meantime, teenagers can explore the content themes and select their areas of interest or hobbies. Users aged 16 or 17 can make changes in the privacy settings, but those under 16 will need parental consent.
These monitoring features have both advantages and disadvantages, as they give more control to the parents over teenagers’ activities, but they also limit their privacy.
