Instagram users under 16 will now need a parent’s approval to livestream or unblur nude images in direct messages, Meta announced Tuesday. The new restrictions are part of a broader push to enhance online safety for teens across Meta’s platforms.
Initially rolling out in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, these changes will eventually expand worldwide in the coming months. According to a blog post from Meta, teens under 16 are blocked from using Instagram Live unless a parent gives explicit permission. They’ll also need parental consent to disable a feature that blurs images with suspected nudity in their DMs.
These safety updates aren’t just limited to Instagram. Meta is now extending similar protections to Facebook and Messenger. This means teen accounts on those platforms will also come with built-in safeguards like:
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Private accounts by default
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Restrictions on private messages from unknown users
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Tighter filters on sensitive content (like violent videos)
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Daily reminders to take breaks after 60 minutes
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Bedtime notifications that pause app alerts
Meta launched its teen safety program on Instagram last September amid rising concerns over the impact of social media on young users. Since then, the company says it has registered over 54 million teen accounts under the program.
“Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger will offer similar, automatic protections to limit inappropriate content and unwanted contact, as well as ways to ensure teens’ time is well spent,” Meta said.
