Business, Finance & Tech
Meta Expands Instagram Teen Account Protections and Brings Parental Controls to Facebook and Messenger
Meta is enhancing protections for teens on its platforms by expanding the popular Instagram Teen Account features to both Facebook and Messenger—and introducing new default safety settings aimed at giving parents more control over their children’s online experiences.
Originally launched in California last fall, Instagram Teen Accounts were designed with input from parents to address common concerns about teen safety online, including exposure to harmful content and interactions with strangers. According to Meta, since the feature's launch, more than 54 million teens globally have used Instagram Teen Accounts, and a significant 97% of users aged 13–15 have kept default safety settings on.
In its latest update, Meta is introducing stricter default protections for teen users on Instagram. These include:
Turning off the ability to go Live without parental approval
Auto-blurring of suspected nude images received in Direct Messages
Requiring parental permission to change or disable these protections
The company says these updates are based on overwhelmingly positive feedback:
94% of U.S. parents believe Teen Accounts are helpful
Teens have widely adopted the features with minimal need to opt out
The rollout doesn’t stop at Instagram. Meta is now bringing these Teen Account features to Facebook and Messenger, adding guardrails that limit exposure to inappropriate content and reduce the risk of unwanted contact. These measures will offer parents more comprehensive supervision tools and ensure a consistent safety experience across Meta’s most-used platforms.
Meta’s effort reflects a broader push to create age-appropriate, secure online spaces for younger users, aligning with increasing calls from lawmakers and parents for tech companies to do more to protect kids on social media.
To learn more about Instagram Teen Accounts and upcoming changes, visit the official Meta Newsroom.
Credit: Facebook (Meta)
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 11, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
Tonight one vote stands between the city of Coachella and a permanent data center ban. Meanwhile, Palm Springs City Council is considering a temporary 45 day ordinance ban against data centers on their end. Make sure to tune in to our 6 and 11 p.m newscasts as our @newsbyalondra has the latest details on the final vote and reaction from the community.
Did you SEE what viewers spotted behind Brad during the Roggin Report? Eagle-eyed viewers were convinced there was something… a little questionable… sitting outside his window. But was it really a naughty garden sculpture? Or was there a much more innocent explanation hiding in plain sight? Let’s just say Brad had some explaining to do. Watch the full story and see what REALLY caused all the commotion at NBCPalmSprings.com. #RogginReport #FredRoggin #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings YouSawWhat OnlyInTheDesert DesertLife
Thousands of revelers took over the streets of Buñol for La Tomatina — the world’s most famous tomato fight! 🇪🇸 About 22,000 people joined the one-hour food fight, with a whopping 330,000+ pounds of tomatoes getting tossed, smashed and… well, basically turned into salsa. 😂🍅 Would you jump into this tomato madness or watch from a safe, tomato-free distance? 👀 #LaTomatina #LaTomatina2026 #Spain #Bunol #TomatoFight FoodFight Travel Festival SpainTravel NBCPalmSprings
Our Kai Beech talks with the owner of Real Italian Deli in Palm Desert about why using the best ingredients matters — even when it cuts into profits. From making their own bread to carefully choosing what goes into every sandwich, quality is at the core of the business. 🥪🇮🇹 #PalmDesert #RealItalianDeli #CoachellaValley #LocalBusiness #ItalianDeli Sandwiches PalmDesertEats NBCPalmSprings
Did you know that a tablespoon of olive oil per day is great for your health? Starkie Sours shares why in this Wellness Wednesday tip! 🥗
Dolly Parton’s Lasting Impact on LGBTQ+ Community Dolly Parton’s music touched generations — and her message of acceptance left a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community. ❤️🏳️🌈 In Provincetown, Massachusetts, members of the queer community are remembering the country music legend and the influence her allyship had on their lives. #DollyParton #LGBTQ #LGBTQCommunity #MusicLegend #Provincetown #CountryMusic #NBCPalmSprings
Title: Dolly’s Final Song Is Set for 2046 Dolly Parton has left fans one final musical gift. 🎶 The country music legend recorded an unreleased song that is set to be released on what would have been her 100th birthday in 2046. Parton died Tuesday in Nashville at age 80 following what her publicist described as a brief battle with cancer. Her music and legacy will live on for generations. ❤️ #DollyParton #CountryMusic #MusicLegend #Entertainment #Nashville #NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Dolly song? 🎶
BREAKING NEWS: Country artist Dolly Parton has died at 80 following prolonged issues. Our Maria Noble Valdez has more here. Be sure to stay tuned nbcpalmsprings.com for more information. #dollyparton #breakingnews #nbcpalmsprings
📘Make your child the main character in a book, or give someone a special keepsake.📕 Thalia discovered this app and wanted to share it with all of you: Bookestry.com