Instagram updates teen accounts to be more PG-13, pledges reduction in risky and explicit content

Instagram is rolling out major updates to teen accounts, introducing a PG-13 content standard aimed at reducing exposure to risky and explicit material. Initially launching in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, these safety features are designed to give parents more control and protect young users from potentially harmful content.

New PG-13 Safety Measures for Teens

Instagram’s PG-13 approach ensures that teens are shielded from content featuring nudity, sexual imagery, suggestive poses, strong language, and risky stunts. While teens may occasionally encounter mild PG-13-style content, the platform will significantly limit recommendations and visibility of adult-oriented material.

The update restricts teen interactions with adult accounts, preventing direct messages, viewing content, or seeing comments from these accounts. Creators flagged for 18+ content will be notified, with opportunities to remove inappropriate material. Accounts that repeatedly post adult content will be blocked for teen users, while profiles with references to adult websites or alcohol will be age-gated.

Parental Controls: Limited and More Content Settings

Parents will have enhanced control over their teen’s Instagram experience through two new settings:

• Limited Content: Filters posts nearing adult themes, restricting teens from seeing, commenting, or interacting with filtered material.

• More Content: Provides slightly broader access while maintaining Instagram’s core teen protections.

Additionally, from next year, teens’ interactions with AI will be restricted to ensure age-appropriate conversations.

Restricted Access and Search Limitations

Teens will no longer access search results for sensitive terms such as “alcohol” or “gore.” These measures, combined with content filtering, are intended to make it easier for parents to understand and manage what their children can view on the platform.

Meta’s director of public policy, Liz Arcamona, stated that Instagram’s new measures align closely with PG-13 guidelines and, in many cases, go further to safeguard young users.

Building on Existing Safety Features

Instagram already offered several teen-focused safety features, including:

• Default private accounts for users under 18

• Silenced notifications during nighttime

• Blocking direct messages from strangers

The new system extends these protections across all teen accounts while adding stricter restrictions aligned with PG-13 standards.

Parental Involvement and Feedback

A key component of Instagram’s update is active parental participation. Parents will be regularly invited to provide feedback through surveys regarding the content their teens encounter. These insights will help refine content recommendations and ensure a safer online environment.

The combination of baseline teen account protections and flexible parental controls allows families to customize Instagram usage according to their comfort levels. Meta also plans to implement similar age-appropriate content protections on Facebook for teens.

Global Rollout Plan

The initial rollout is focused on teen accounts in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, with completion expected by the end of 2025. Instagram plans a global expansion of the PG-13 framework, aiming to standardize safety measures and content experiences for teen users across all regions.

Conclusion

Instagram’s PG-13 content update for teen accounts represents a significant step toward safer social media experiences. By limiting exposure to explicit content, providing advanced parental controls, and restricting access to adult interactions, Instagram is enhancing online safety while still offering age-appropriate engagement. With the upcoming global rollout, teens worldwide will benefit from a more protected and controlled platform experience.