Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has introduced stricter message settings for teenagers using its platforms.
With the initiative, Meta strengthens its ongoing focus on providing age-appropriate experiences for teens and supporting parents in safeguarding online presence for young ones.
Teens under the age of 16 or under 18 in certain countries, will have direct messages (DMs) turned off by default from individuals they don’t follow or aren’t connected to.
Teens using supervised accounts will need parental permission to modify this setting, ensuring parents are actively involved in their teens’ online safety. The move reflects Meta’s recognition of the importance of parental supervision in guiding teens’ online behaviour. Parents using supervision features will now be prompted to approve or deny their teens’ requests to change default safety and privacy settings to a less strict state. This includes modifications such as transitioning from private to public accounts or altering DM settings to hear from individuals not already followed or connected to.
The new feature aims to facilitate meaningful offline conversations between parents and teens, allowing families to navigate online experiences together while respecting teens’ privacy and communication preferences. Larry Magid, CEO of ConnectSafely, emphasized the significance of empowering parents with tools to protect their teens while respecting their privacy and communication preferences.
“Empowering parents to approve or deny requests to change their teen’s default safety and privacy settings gives parents the tools they need to help protect their teens, while at the same time respecting their teens’ privacy and ability to communicate with their friends and family.”
Meta’s ongoing efforts to support teens and families include over 30 tools and features designed to promote online safety and well-being. The Family Center offers resources and expert insights to assist parents in navigating their teens’ digital experiences.
As Meta continues to prioritize safety and well-being on its platforms, these new measures are a proactive approach to address the complex challenges faced by teens in the digital age.
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