Meta has announced a major change to Instagram, restricting teenage users to PG-13 content by default. The move, revealed on Tuesday, comes as the company faces growing criticism over the impact of social media on young people.
Teen accounts will now see only content suitable for a US PG-13 film. This means no sex, drugs, dangerous stunts, or strong language. Meta said the change aims to protect teens from harmful material and create a safer online space.
“This includes hiding or not recommending posts with strong language, risky stunts, or marijuana paraphernalia,” Meta explained in a blog post. The company described it as the most significant update since launching teen-specific accounts last year.
Parents will also gain more control. Meta is adding a stricter “limited content” setting that blocks more material and restricts comments on posts.
The update will first roll out in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada before expanding worldwide by the end of the year.
Meta’s move follows widespread criticism after reports showed Instagram still recommended sexual or self-harm content to teen users, despite earlier safety promises. Researchers found posts featuring “graphic sexual descriptions” and content linked to poor mental health.
Under the new rules, teens cannot follow or message accounts that share inappropriate material, such as those linking to adult platforms. Meta said the restrictions will also apply to AI chatbots, ensuring they stay within PG-13 boundaries.
The company says these measures mark its toughest stance yet on teen safety online.
