Instagram has introduced a new option to restrict adult users from exchanging messages with unaccompanied minors
In an effort to protect young people, Instagram has tightened its restrictions on texting.
The platform announced the move on Tuesday, saying it would no longer allow adult Instagram users to piss off minors who don’t already follow them. If an adult writes via DM to a minor user who is not among their followers, they will receive a notice stating that sending a DM is not an option.
From now on, individuals must be at least 13 years old to get an Instagram account; however, the company acknowledged that age verification is often difficult among all social media platforms.
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Those between the ages of 13 and 18 will also receive messages advising them to "be careful when sharing photos, videos or information with someone you don't know." They will also receive notifications whenever they communicate with an adult who "shows potentially suspicious behavior."
For example, if an adult sends a large amount of friendship or message requests to people under the age of 18, Instagram will use this tool to alert recipients in their DMs and give them the ability to interrupt the conversation, or block, report or restrict the adult. People will start seeing them in some countries this month.
The app also encourages its young community members to make their accounts private, which will give them more control over who sees their content and public interactions. Minors who opt for a public account will receive notifications explaining the benefits of moving to a private place and will be asked to check their privacy settings regularly.
In addition, Instagram has partnered with ConnectSafeli and The Child Mind Institute to deliver a new parenting guide that includes tools, tips, resources, beginner conversations for parents and teens. The updated guide has also been released in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, India, Japan and Mexico, with plans to release it in other areas soon.
- Instagram can give young people the opportunity to strengthen ties, practice social skills and find communities they support - said Dr. Dave Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Institute for the Child's Mind, added:
- It is important that teenagers and parents are equipped with information on how to manage their time on the platform so that it is thoughtful, safe and intentional. The new Parent Guide we’ve been working on is a great reflection of what parents need to know about how to support their teens as they navigate social media.