Enhancing online safety for teenagers, Meta introduces Teen Accounts on Instagram in South Africa with built-in protections.
Introduction of Teen Accounts
- Meta launches Teen Accounts on Instagram in South Africa to enhance online safety for teenagers.
- This initiative aims to provide safe, private, and positive online experiences for teens across Africa.
Key Protections Offered
- Teen accounts are set to private by default; changes require parental guidance for those under 16.
- Messaging is restricted to connections only, limiting unwanted interactions.
- Sensitive content control is enabled, reducing exposure to inappropriate material.
- Teens can only be tagged or mentioned by people they follow, with anti-bullying features activated.
- Notifications remind teens to exit the app after 60 minutes of daily usage.
- Sleep mode mutes notifications and sends automatic replies from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Impact and Reception
- Since September 2024, 54 million teens globally have enrolled in Teen Accounts, with 97% aged 13-15 maintaining strict protections.
- Parenting influencer Lindo Sithole praises the initiative as an empowering step for online safety.
- Meta is hosting events for parents, content creators, and stakeholders to discuss safety features and tools.
