(MENAFN) In a major policy overhaul, Meta announced Tuesday that it will automatically restrict Instagram content for users under 18 to align with PG-13 movie standards, tightening protections for teens across its platform.

The update places all minors into stricter “13+ content settings” by default, barring them from opting out unless granted parental approval. “This means that teens will see content on Instagram that's similar to what they'd see in a PG-13 movie,” Meta confirmed in a statement.

The move reflects growing pressure on tech companies to address teen safety online amid rising concerns over exposure to harmful content.

Filters Expand Beyond Graphic and Sexual Content
The new guardrails build on existing rules that limit exposure to sexually suggestive material and violent imagery. Instagram will now also suppress or avoid recommending posts containing “strong language, certain risky stunts,” and those promoting “potentially harmful behaviors.”

Acknowledging that age falsification remains a challenge, Meta said, “We'll use age prediction technology to place teens into certain content protections—even if they claim to be adults.”

Multi-Layered Restrictions Target Harmful Content
Instagram will block teens from following accounts that frequently share adult or inappropriate material. Search results for mature keywords like "alcohol" and "gore" — including intentionally misspelled versions — will also be filtered.

Direct messages won’t allow access to restricted links, and Meta has updated its AI features to ensure that automated responses align with PG-13 standards.

Parents looking for greater control can apply an additional restrictive layer for more robust content filtering.

Gradual Rollout Underway in Four Countries
The new system began rolling out Tuesday across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, with full implementation expected by year’s end. A global expansion and equivalent safety settings for Facebook are in development, Meta added.

MENAFN16102025000045017169ID1110205883