META ENHANCES TEEN SAFETY WITH INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK STRICTER MESSAGE SETTINGS

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has rolled out stricter message settings for young users to bolster online safety for teenagers. Under the new policy, teenagers aged 16 or under 18 in specific regions will find direct messages from individuals they don’t follow or are not connected to turned off by default.

Supervised accounts, a feature aimed at parental oversight, will require parental consent to modify these settings, reinforcing parental involvement in their teens’ online activities. This proactive step underscores Meta’s commitment to recognising the crucial role of parental supervision in guiding teens’ online behaviour.

Parents utilising supervision features will now receive prompts to either approve or deny their teens’ requests to adjust default safety and privacy settings, ensuring a balance between privacy and safety online.

The initiative seeks to foster meaningful offline discussions between parents and teenagers, empowering families to navigate online experiences while respecting teens’ privacy and communication preferences.

Meta’s dedication to supporting teens and families extends beyond this update, with over 30 tools and features dedicated to promoting online safety and well-being. The Family Center serves as a resource hub, offering expert insights to assist parents in navigating their teens’ digital journeys.

As Meta continues to prioritise safety and well-being on its platforms, these latest measures represent a proactive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges teenagers face in the digital age.