Instagram is changing the way teens see content on app: What is PG-13 Standard

Instagram has announced that it is revamping Teen Accounts to be guided by PG-13 movie ratings by default, meaning teens will see content similar to what they would encounter in a PG-13 film – a standard that allows some swear words, mild violence and partial nudity, however, Meta said it will not recommend content with nudity to teen users. The changes represent the most significant update to Teen Accounts since Instagram introduced them last year and will provide automatic protections to hundreds of millions of teens globally.

Automatic PG-13 settings for all teens
Teens under 18 will be automatically placed into an updated 13+ setting and will not be able to opt out without parental permission. Instagram said it will use age prediction technology to place teens into content protections even if they claim to be adults.

“Just like you might see some suggestive content or hear some strong language in a PG-13 movie, teens may occasionally see something like that on Instagram — but we're going to keep doing all we can to keep those instances as rare as possible,” the company stated.

Stricter 'limited content' option for parents
For parents who prefer more restrictive controls, Instagram is introducing a new setting called “Limited Content,” which will filter even more content from the Teen Account experience. This setting will also remove teens' ability to see, leave, or receive comments under posts. Starting next year, it will further restrict AI conversations teens can have.

Instagram's updated policies will hide or not recommend posts with strong language, certain risky stunts, and content that could encourage potentially harmful behaviours, such as posts showing marijuana paraphernalia.

Notably, the platform already hides or prohibits the recommendation of sexually suggestive content, graphic or disturbing images, and adult content like tobacco or alcohol sales from teens.

The updated content settings will start rolling out gradually to Teen Accounts in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada first and will be fully implemented by the end of the year.