Meta has announced the rollout of its “Teen Accounts” feature for Facebook and Messenger users in Pakistan this week, extending protections that are already available on Instagram. The initiative aims to provide teenagers with a safer, more age-appropriate online experience, while also offering parents greater peace of mind.
What are Teen Accounts? According to Meta, Teen Accounts automatically place restrictions on who teenagers can interact with, filter the content they see, and introduce features that encourage healthier screen time habits. This feature was designed in response to feedback from parents who raised concerns about teens’ online safety, exposure to inappropriate content, and excessive use of social media.
Protections and Restrictions Meta stated that new users under the age of 18 will automatically be placed into Teen Accounts, while existing teenage users will be gradually transitioned into the feature. These protections include:
- Automatic limits on who teens can connect with online.
- Filters to prevent exposure to unsafe or harmful content.
- Measures designed to help teens manage their screen time more effectively.
Addressing Parents’ Concerns In its statement, Meta emphasized that Teen Accounts are helping to address parents’ primary concerns, from online predators to exposure to harmful material. The company said these changes reflect its commitment to providing parents with “peace of mind” regarding their children’s online experiences.
Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, added: “We want parents to feel good about their teens using social media. They should be able to connect with friends and explore their interests without worrying about unsafe experiences.”
Expanding Beyond Instagram The Teen Accounts feature was first introduced on Instagram a year ago, where Meta added limits on teens going Live, increased restrictions on direct messages, and refined its systems to ensure age-appropriate experiences. The expansion to Facebook and Messenger in Pakistan is part of Meta’s broader global rollout, which already covers hundreds of millions of teenage users across its platforms.
