Meta is taking a significant step towards protecting the online well-being of teenagers by introducing Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger. The feature, which was first rolled out to Instagram last September, automatically enrolls young users into an app experience with built-in protections. The expansion to Facebook and Messenger marks a crucial move by the tech giant to address growing concerns about teen mental health and online safety.

The Teen Accounts feature is designed to limit inappropriate content and unwanted contact for users under the age of 16. According to Meta, teens will only receive messages from people they follow or have messaged before, and only their friends can see and reply to their stories. Additionally, tags, mentions, and comments will be limited to people they follow or who are their friends. These restrictions aim to create a safer and more controlled environment for young users.

Parents will also have more control over their child's online experience, as teens under 16 will need their permission to change any of the settings. Furthermore, teens will receive reminders to leave the social networks after using them for an hour a day, and will be enrolled into "Quiet mode" overnight. These features are designed to promote healthy online habits and reduce the risk of addiction.

In addition to the expansion to Facebook and Messenger, Meta is also introducing new built-in protections for Teen Accounts on Instagram. Teens under 16 will not be allowed to go live on the platform unless their parents give them permission to do so. Moreover, teens under 16 will need to get parental permission to turn off the app's feature that blurs images containing suspected nudity in DMs. These measures demonstrate Meta's commitment to prioritizing teen safety and well-being.

The introduction of Teen Accounts is a response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on teen mental health. The U.S. Surgeon General and several states have raised concerns about the potential negative effects of social media on young people, with some states even restricting teens from using social media without a parent's consent. By taking proactive steps to address these concerns, Meta is demonstrating its responsibility as a leading social media platform.

According to Meta, the Teen Accounts feature has already shown promising results on Instagram, with 54 million teens moved into Teen Accounts. The company reports that 97% of teens ages 13-15 keep their built-in protections on, indicating a high level of engagement and acceptance among young users. A study commissioned by Meta and conducted by Ipsos found that nearly all parents surveyed (94%) say Teen Accounts are helpful for parents, and 85% think they make it easier to help their teens have positive experiences on Instagram.

The expansion of Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger marks a significant step forward in Meta's efforts to prioritize teen safety and well-being. As the company continues to roll out the feature globally, it will be important to monitor its effectiveness and gather feedback from parents and teens. With the introduction of Teen Accounts, Meta is setting a new standard for social media platforms and demonstrating its commitment to creating a safer and more responsible online environment for young users.