Meta Uses AI to Identify Teens on Instagram, Automatically Assigns Teen Accounts

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is stepping up efforts to create a safer digital environment for teenagers. After introducing Teen Accounts last year, Meta is now expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically detect underage users and assign them appropriate account settings. This move is designed to prevent minors from bypassing age restrictions by entering false birth dates.

Why Meta Is Using AI to Detect Teen Users

Over the years, numerous studies and safety concerns have highlighted the potential risks that social media platforms pose to teenagers. In response, Meta has taken steps to enhance online safety. The company is now relying more heavily on AI tools to identify users who may be under 18 but have registered with incorrect age details.

By using AI, Instagram scans content like birthday posts and user reports to flag accounts that may belong to underage individuals. If identified, these accounts are automatically converted into Teen Accounts, which come with age-appropriate safety settings.

Parental Involvement in Account Settings

For teens under the age of 16, Instagram is implementing additional safeguards. One of the new rules requires parental approval if the teen attempts to alter any of the default protective settings.

Meta emphasizes the importance of parental participation in creating a safe online experience for teens. In a recent blog post, the company stated, "The digital world continues to evolve and we have to evolve with it. That’s why it’s important that we work together with parents to make sure as many teens as possible have the protective settings that come with Teen Accounts."

How AI Detects Underage Accounts on Instagram

Instagram has been working on refining its AI systems to make sure they can accurately detect users’ real ages. If a user’s posts or interactions suggest they may be younger than their stated age, Instagram’s AI tools flag the account for review. AI looks at clues such as birthday wishes in captions and comments or even behavior patterns typical of teen users.

To address potential misclassifications, Instagram allows users to review and modify their account settings if they believe the AI has made an error. This ensures flexibility while maintaining safety.

Instagram Alerts Parents to Ensure Accurate Age Information

To support its AI-driven safety initiative, Instagram will now notify parents with tips on how to talk to their children about the importance of providing correct age information online. Meta believes that parental guidance remains one of the most effective ways to ensure teens benefit from appropriate privacy controls and platform protections.

Parents will also be encouraged to confirm the date of birth listed on their child’s account, helping Meta ensure its AI can accurately classify accounts as teen profiles.

What Are Instagram Teen Accounts?

Introduced earlier this year in India, Teen Accounts are specially designed Instagram profiles tailored for users under 16. These accounts are automatically set to private, and teens must manually approve any follower requests.

This setup ensures that only approved individuals can interact with the teen's content or send direct messages. It acts as a strong barrier against potential online threats such as unsolicited messages, harmful content, or unwanted attention.

Key Features of Teen Accounts

• Private by Default: All teen accounts are set to private, and follower approval is mandatory.

• Message Restrictions: Strangers or unapproved followers cannot send direct messages.

• Content Protection: Teen content is visible only to approved connections.

• Safety Controls: Enhanced restrictions prevent exposure to harmful or age-inappropriate material.

These measures aim to create a more secure and positive experience for teenage users while giving parents peace of mind.

A Safer Instagram Experience for Teens

Meta's expanded use of AI for age detection, combined with parental controls and privacy-first design, represents a significant step toward safer social media for young users. By automatically enrolling detected teens into Teen Accounts, Instagram is reducing risks and building a healthier digital ecosystem for the next generation.