Meta Debuts More Instagram Protections for Teen Users. Here's What's New

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has introduced new measures to enhance the safety and privacy of teenage users on its platforms. The key changes include: 1. Limiting the ability of adults to send direct messages to users under 18 who don't follow them, aiming to prevent unwanted contact. 2. Introducing new tools to help teenage users identify potential scams and impersonation attempts, empowering them to make informed decisions about who they interact with. 3. Expanding the use of existing features, such as "Take a Break" and "Pause All," to encourage healthier social media habits among young users. These updates are part of Meta's ongoing efforts to address concerns about the potential negative impacts of social media platforms, particularly on the mental health and well-being of younger users. The changes aim to create a safer and more secure environment for teenagers navigating the digital landscape.