- Meta is introducing new default DM restrictions to its apps, limiting who can message teens and providing new management tools for parents.
- Teens will now have the ability to receive messages only from profiles they follow on Instagram and only from connected Facebook users or those with their phone contact on Messenger.
- Parents connected to their teens’ profiles via Meta’s Family Center will need explicit permission to update these settings, providing more assurance around their kids’ interactions on the platforms.
- Instagram is also experimenting with image restrictions in DMs to protect teens from unwanted and inappropriate content.
- The new controls aim to enhance safety for teen users and help them avoid harm, with Meta working with third-party advisory groups to improve safety tools.
- The DM restrictions will be rolled out starting today, while the image filtering option will be launched soon.
Meta Enhances Teen User Protections with New DM Restrictions and Parental Management Tools
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is introducing new default direct message (DM) restrictions for teens and offering new management tools for parents through its Family Center. The new DM controls will limit who can send messages to teen users, allowing only profiles they follow on Instagram and connected Facebook users or individuals with their phone contact on Messenger. These settings can be changed by users, but teens connected to their parents’ profiles via Meta’s Family Center will require explicit permission to update them. In addition, Instagram is experimenting with image restrictions in DMs to prevent teens from seeing and sending potentially inappropriate content. These updates aim to provide added safety and assurance for parents and help teen users avoid unwanted attention and contact. The new DM restrictions are being rolled out now, and the image filtering option will be launched in the near future.