At a Glance:
- Instagram is expanding its revamped teen accounts, inspired by 13+ movie ratings criteria and parent feedback.
- Teens in Malaysia will see content similar to what they’d experience in an age-appropriate movie by default.
- Parents who prefer extra controls can choose a new, stricter setting called ‘Limited Content’ to better manage what their teens see on Instagram
Meta is announcing the expansion of Instagram’s age-appropriate 13+ content rating and limited content setting to Malaysia.
This means that teens will see content on Instagram that’s similar to what they’d see in an age-appropriate movie by default.
Teens under 18 will be automatically placed into an updated 13+ setting, and they won’t be able to opt out without a parent’s permission.
Just like how you might see some suggestive content or hear some strong language in a movie rated for ages 13+, teens may occasionally see something like that on Instagram, but Meta aims to keep those instances as rare as possible.
Recognising that no system is perfect, Meta remains committed to improving over time.
This update aims to reassure parents that efforts are ongoing to ensure teens see safe, age-appropriate content on Instagram by default, while also providing more ways for families to shape their teens’ experience.
“At Meta, keeping teens safe online is our top priority, and I am pleased to announce we’re launching additional safety features to teens and parents in Malaysia today. This includes the expansion of our revamped Instagram Teen Accounts inspired by content ratings for ages 13+, where the content they see will be similar to what they would see in an age-appropriate movie, and these features are all set by default. We understand that every family is different, which is why we are also introducing Limited Content, a new, stricter setting that empowers parents who prefer extra controls to further shape what their teen sees on Instagram.”
– Clara Koh, Director of Public Policy, Central Southeast Asia & ASEAN
Updating Content Policies for Teens, Inspired by Movie Ratings Criteria and Parent Feedback
Teen Accounts were already designed to protect teens from inappropriate content, and age-appropriate guidelines have continued to be refined to hide even more potentially inappropriate content in the updated default 13+ content setting.
The policies have been aligned with an independent standard that parents are familiar with, with age-appropriate guidelines reviewed against movie ratings for ages 13+ and updated accordingly.
While, of course, there are differences between movies and social media, these changes were made so teens’ experiences in the 13+ setting feel closer to the Instagram equivalent of watching a movie that’s been rated appropriate for 13+.
In addition to longstanding policies, which already hide or prohibit the recommendation of sexually suggestive content, graphic or disturbing images, and adult content like tobacco or alcohol sales from teens, the updated policies will now go even further.
This includes hiding or not recommending posts with strong language, certain risky stunts, and additional content that could encourage potentially harmful behaviours, such as posts showing marijuana paraphernalia.
Expanding Protections Across Teen Accounts
Technology has been improved and refined to proactively identify content that goes against updated age-appropriate guidelines, and this improved technology is being used across Instagram, including:
Accounts: Teens will no longer be able to follow accounts that are found to regularly share age-inappropriate content or whose name or bio suggests the account is inappropriate for teens. If teens already follow these accounts, they’ll no longer be able to see or interact with their content, send them DMs, or see their comments under anyone’s posts. These accounts will not be recommended to teens, and it will be harder for teens to find them in Search. These protections work both ways: these accounts won’t be able to follow teens, send them DMs, or comment on their posts.
Search: Search terms related to certain sensitive topics, like suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders, are already blocked. Now, teens’ ability to see content results for a wider range of mature search terms, such as ‘alcohol’ or ‘gore’, will also be restricted, including when terms are misspelt.
Content Experience: Teens shouldn’t see content that goes against updated guidelines in recommendations (Explore, Reels, and in-Feed), Feed, and Stories, even when shared by someone they follow, or in comments. If someone sends a teen a link to such content in DMs, they won’t be able to open it.
AI: AI experiences for teens have also been updated, inspired by movie ratings for ages 13+, meaning AIs should not give age-inappropriate responses that would feel out of place in a movie rated for ages 13+.
Introducing Limited Content: A New, Stricter Setting for Parents Who Prefer Extra Controls
Every family is different, and, for some parents, movies rated for ages 13+ may still feel too mature for their teen. That’s why a new, stricter setting called ‘Limited Content’ is being introduced, which will filter even more content from the Teen Account experience.
It will also remove teens’ ability to see, leave, or receive comments under posts.
Note: The updated content settings have started rolling out gradually to Teen Accounts in Malaysia and will be fully rolled out in the coming months.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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