Instagram Implements New Teen Account Features to Enhance Safety for Young Users in Singapore

SINGAPORE: In a significant move to protect younger users, Instagram has commenced the rollout of its Teen Accounts in Singapore, as confirmed by Meta, the parent company of the popular social media platform. This initiative, which is a part of their ongoing commitment to user safety, is expected to provide a robust framework of safeguards for teenagers using the app.

The Teen Accounts will come equipped with a range of features designed to limit interactions and elevate the safety of young users. With these accounts set to private by default, teenagers will have more control over who tags them in posts, as they can only be tagged by accounts they choose to follow. Meta has also promised that offensive language will be effectively filtered out, ensuring a healthier digital environment.

In an effort to promote healthy social media habits, teenagers will receive reminders to limit their daily usage to 60 minutes. This aligns with growing concerns about screen time and mental health among adolescents. Additionally, a new Sleep Mode feature will automatically mute notifications during late hours, specifically from 10 PM to 7 AM, encouraging teens to prioritize rest.

Parents will have access to advanced supervision tools, which will enable them to monitor their teen's activity on Instagram. This includes visibility into whom their child is messaging. Importantly, parents will have the capacity to set restrictions on when and for how long their teens can access the platform.

Teenagers aged 13 to 17 in Singapore will be transitioned to these new accounts in phases, with those under 16 requiring parental consent to change their settings. This initiative is part of Meta's broader strategy to foster a safer online atmosphere and build trust with parents.

Tara Hopkins, the global director of public policy for Instagram and Threads, shared, "We understand that parents want assurance that their teens can engage on social media securely, exploring their interests without encountering inappropriate content. Teen Accounts have been established to provide that assurance and to implement effective safeguards."

This move by Instagram follows an announcement made in September 2024 regarding the introduction of Teen Accounts, marking a crucial step in addressing the challenges faced by young users online in an age where digital exposure is increasingly prevalent.

As discussions surrounding online safety in youth environments continue, Instagram's proactive measures may set a precedent for other social media platforms to follow in enhancing the well-being of their young users.