Meta implements "locks" to restrict minors' social media use; introduces anti-harassment and sensitive content controls

Meta is bolstering its digital safety measures for minors across Facebook and Instagram, introducing new "locks" to restrict younger users' online experiences. These updates come amid ongoing discussions about regulating artificial intelligence and social media use among children and adolescents.

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We establish age-appropriate controls and encourage positive digital habits so that the family can make the most of their online experiences.

The company stated that it establishes age-appropriate controls and encourages positive digital habits, enabling families to maximize their online experiences. Facebook and Instagram are actively working to restrict the types of content teenagers can view, prioritizing concerns of parents regarding issues like eating disorders, suicide, self-harm, and graphic violence.

With these restrictions, adolescents will be unable to find or see certain content, even if it is shared by friends or accounts they follow. Meta explained that teenagers might not realize they cannot view this content, particularly if a friend creates something that falls into a restricted category. Additional safeguards include prohibiting access for users under 13, offering dedicated teen accounts, a family center, and safety guides for educators and parents.

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With the restriction, adolescents will not be able to find or see certain types of content, even if a friend or someone they follow shares it. Teenagers may not realize they cannot see this content, for example, if one of their friends creates content that falls into this category.

Teen accounts will limit who can contact them and the content they see, helping ensure their time online is well-spent. For instance, teens will automatically be placed under the most restrictive "sensitive content" settings, limiting their exposure to potentially harmful material on platforms like Explore and Reels. The company also introduced an anti-harassment and anti-sextortion feature, time limit reminders encouraging breaks after 60 minutes daily, and a "sleep mode" from 10 PM to 7 AM that silences notifications and sends automatic replies. Meta advises parents to lead by example in their own device and social media usage.

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Teenagers take their parents as role models for managing relationships in all aspects of life. The same applies to the use of technology.