Instagram Updates Teen Accounts to Align with PG-13 Content Standards
Meta’s Instagram has announced significant changes to its Teen Accounts, now aligning content restrictions with the Motion Picture Association’s (MPA) PG-13 rating. This update aims to create a safer online environment for users aged 13 to 17 by ensuring that the content they encounter mirrors the standards of PG-13 films.
Launched in September 2024, Teen Accounts allow teenagers to create supervised profiles, monitored by a parent or guardian who must be over 18 years old. The recent update will restrict users from viewing content that includes nudity, sexual expression, profanity, drug use, and violence, akin to what is permissible in PG-13 rated movies.
New Content Restrictions for Teen Users
Instagram explained its rationale in a blog post, stating that despite existing protections, concerns about inappropriate content persist among parents. The update aims to provide clarity and reassurance, indicating that when teens use Instagram, they will see content that aligns with the PG-13 classification by default.
With this change, all teens with supervised accounts will automatically transition to the new “PG-13” experience. They will not have the option to opt-out without parental permission. This policy will affect all areas of the platform, including Feed, Stories, comments, recommendations, and search results. Furthermore, teens will be prevented from following or engaging with accounts that regularly post content deemed suitable for those aged 18 and older.
Instagram is also introducing stricter content settings for parents looking for a more controlled experience for their teens. Current restrictions already limit who can contact teenagers, what content they can access, and how long they can spend on the app. According to Instagram, since the launch of Teen Accounts, 97% of users aged 13-15 have maintained their default restrictions, while 94% of surveyed parents find these accounts beneficial.
Understanding the PG-13 Rating
The MPA’s PG-13 rating, which has been in use since 1984, serves as a warning to parents regarding potentially unsuitable material for children under 13. The official description states that a PG-13 rating may include themes, violence, nudity, and language that go beyond the PG category, but do not reach the restricted R rating.
The guidelines specify that any depiction of drug use will require at least a PG-13 rating, and more than brief nudity will also fall under this classification. While PG-13 movies may contain some violence, they typically do not display extreme or prolonged violence. Additionally, the use of stronger language, even as an expletive, can result in a PG-13 rating if used sparingly.
As Instagram implements these updates, the platform aims to strike a balance between user engagement and safety, addressing parental concerns while fostering a positive online experience for adolescents. With these changes, Instagram is taking a proactive step towards creating a more responsible social media environment for its younger audience.
