ISLAMABAD: Instagram has rolled out updated Teen Accounts protections in Pakistan, introducing stricter content controls, expanded parental supervision tools and new restrictions aimed at limiting teenagers’ exposure to sensitive or harmful material online.
The platform said teenagers under 18 will automatically be placed into an updated “13+” content setting designed to create a safer experience across Instagram. According to the company, teens will not be able to opt out of these protections without parental permission.
Instagram said the updated system was inspired by movie-style 13+ content guidelines and feedback from parents who wanted clearer and stronger safeguards for younger users on social media.
Under the revised policies, the company said it will further limit recommendations of content containing strong language, graphic imagery, risky stunts and material that could encourage harmful behaviour. Existing restrictions on sexually suggestive content, adult-related material and disturbing imagery will also remain in place.
New restrictions across Search, Reels and direct messages
Instagram said it has improved its technology to proactively identify content that violates updated age-appropriate guidelines across the app, including Search, Reels, Explore, Feed and Stories.
Teen users will also face tighter restrictions when searching for sensitive topics. The platform said terms linked to issues such as self-harm, alcohol and graphic content will be blocked, including commonly misspelled versions of those searches.
According to Instagram, accounts repeatedly identified as sharing age-inappropriate material will no longer be able to interact with teens through follows, comments or direct messages. Teens who already follow such accounts will also lose access to their content.
The company added that if a teenager receives a direct message containing a link to restricted content, the content will not open on their account.
New “Limited Content” setting for parents
Instagram has also introduced a stricter “Limited Content” option for parents seeking additional controls over their teen’s online experience. The setting filters more content and removes the ability for teens to leave, receive or view comments under posts.
The platform said its artificial intelligence systems for teens have also been updated to avoid generating responses considered unsuitable for younger audiences.
Instagram added that similar Teen Account protections are now being expanded globally to Facebook and Messenger, including for users in Pakistan.
Also read: Meta introduces AI-powered age assurance measures for teens in Pakistan
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