Instagram has announced a set of enhanced safety features aimed at protecting children featured on accounts managed by adults. The move reflects Meta’s broader efforts to create a safer digital environment for minors, particularly those with a significant online presence.
Key Protections Rolled Out Globally
The update includes a range of measures designed to minimize potential harm and abuse. Among the most notable changes:
- Direct messaging restrictions have been tightened for accounts that feature minors.
- The “Hidden Words” tool, which filters out offensive language in comments and messages, is now automatically enabled.
- Content visibility from these accounts will be limited for users flagged as suspicious.
- In-app notifications will prompt account holders to regularly review and update privacy settings
Targeting Family-Run and Kid-Focused Profiles
These protections are specifically tailored for accounts where children are the primary subjects but the accounts are managed by adults such as family bloggers, child influencers, or parenting pages. Instagram’s systems will proactively detect and apply safeguards to such accounts, while also encouraging account managers to adopt best practices for safety and privacy.
Part of a Broader Strategy for Youth Safety
This update follows the recent rollout of the “Teen Accounts” initiative in several regions, including the UAE, which introduced default privacy settings, screen time reminders, and content controls for users under 16. Meta has positioned these features as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting digital wellbeing and addressing safety concerns raised by child advocacy groups.
Availability and Rollout
The protections are being rolled out globally, including in the Middle East. Accounts based in Dubai and across the UAE are included in this launch, reinforcing the region’s alignment with Meta’s safety initiatives.