Instagram expands safety and parental supervision tools for teens

Meta has extended its safety features for Instagram accounts used by adolescents, implementing specific protections regarding privacy, messaging, content, and usage time. As of 2026, the platform utilizes 13+ age settings and enhanced parental supervision tools.

These safety measures allow parents to link accounts with their children to monitor certain activities, though the platform emphasizes that these tools are intended to supplement, rather than replace, digital education and direct dialogue. Key features include the ability to limit who can send messages or mention users, manage screen time through reminders and silent modes, and verify account details such as birth dates and connected devices.