Instagram is rolling out significant new safety features aimed at protecting its teen users by introducing a "PG-13" style content rating system. This update will automatically filter out mature or risky content for anyone under 18, creating a digital environment more akin to what one might expect from a PG-13 movie. Parents will have the option to approve a looser setting if they wish, but by default, teens will no longer be exposed to posts, videos, or search results that include sexually suggestive material, graphic images, or adult topics such as alcohol and tobacco.
The move is part of Meta’s broader effort to make Instagram a safer place for younger users. Under the new system, all accounts belonging to users under 18 will be placed into a 13+ content setting. This setting blocks a wide range of content deemed inappropriate for teens, while still allowing some mild language or edgy humor on rare occasions. For families seeking even stricter controls, Instagram is launching a Limited Content mode. This enhanced setting goes further by removing comments altogether, filtering out more mature material, and restricting what teens can post or view. Starting next year, this mode will also apply to Instagram’s AI chatbots, ensuring that conversations with these bots remain within PG-13 boundaries.
Parents will gain more control over their teens’ Instagram experience through the Family Center, where they can now block certain accounts and posts. Importantly, Instagram’s AI features will adhere to the same PG-13 guidelines, providing age-appropriate responses when interacting with teen users.
The new protections are particularly stringent for users under 16. These younger teens will automatically receive the strictest settings, and they cannot loosen content restrictions without parental approval. Teens aged 16 and 17 will have the PG-13 filter by default but can request changes that parents must approve through the Family Center. This layered approach aims to balance teen autonomy with parental oversight, making Instagram a safer space while respecting the growing independence of older teens.
Meta developed these new guidelines after consulting thousands of parents worldwide, who reviewed real Instagram posts and rated their age appropriateness. More than three million parent ratings contributed to shaping the new content policies. According to Meta’s research, 95% of U.S. parents found the new settings helpful, and 90% said they made Instagram easier to understand.
To benefit from these new features, parents are encouraged to keep their Instagram app updated on both iPhone and Android devices. App updates often include changes to settings and parental controls, so maintaining the latest version ensures that families can access the newest supervision tools and safety features.
In addition to content filtering, parents can take several steps right now to safeguard their teens on Instagram. Setting a teen’s account to Private ensures that only approved followers can see their posts and stories, limiting exposure to strangers. This setting is accessible via the teen’s Instagram profile under Settings and privacy → Account privacy.
Parents can also link their accounts with their teens' through the Supervision or Family Center section in Settings and privacy. Once linked, parents can monitor activity summaries, confirm safety settings, and receive notifications about significant changes their teen makes. However, Instagram maintains privacy boundaries by not allowing parents to read direct messages, and starting November 2025, supervision will no longer extend to the Threads app, Instagram’s text-based platform.
Beyond Instagram, families can employ device-wide limits to manage overall screen time and app usage. These controls can block apps during specified hours, monitor usage, and restrict the download of new apps, helping to combat cellphone addiction and encourage healthier digital habits.
Privacy protection extends beyond app settings. Teens often underestimate how much personal information about them is publicly available online. Parents should assist their teens in searching for their names on Google and removing personal data from people search sites and data brokers. While this process can be done manually, many opt to use data removal services. These services monitor and erase personal information from hundreds of websites, reducing the risk of identity theft and scams by limiting the amount of data available to cybercriminals. Although such services can be costly, many experts consider them an effective investment in protecting online privacy.
To maintain a healthy balance between safety and freedom, experts recommend establishing family rules around phone usage, such as charging devices in a common area at night to reduce late-night scrolling. This practice helps improve sleep quality and limits unsupervised exposure to potentially harmful content.
Open communication between parents and teens is crucial. Parents should regularly talk with their teens about the content they encounter online, encouraging