Instagram Just Made a Major Move to Protect Teens - What This Means for Your Kid's Online Safety

Instagram announced Tuesday that it will be rolling out new protected accounts for people under 18, a move that could dramatically improve online safety for teenagers. The accounts will automatically be private and can only receive messages from people they follow, adding an extra layer of protection against online harassment and cyberbullying.

According to Instagram, the update is part of its efforts to create a safer environment for teens. The social media platform has been under increasing pressure to address online safety concerns, particularly when it comes to its younger users. With the new protected accounts, Instagram is taking a major step towards giving parents and teens greater control over their online interactions.

The new features will be automatically applied to all accounts owned by people under 18, and will include a range of safety measures designed to limit unwanted interactions. This includes limiting who can see and interact with a user's content, as well as restricting who can send them messages. Users will also have the option to limit who can see their posts and stories, and can report or block anyone who is harassing or bullying them.

To learn more about the changes, NBC's Jo Ling Kent spoke with parents and Meta's safety chief about the new protected accounts. According to Meta, the update was driven by feedback from parents and teens, who expressed concerns about online safety and the need for greater control over their online interactions.

"We've been working closely with parents and experts to create a safer environment for teens," said Meta's safety chief. "We believe that this update will help to reduce online harassment and cyberbullying, and give parents and teens greater peace of mind when it comes to their online interactions."

For parents, the new update is a welcome change. Many have expressed concerns about the safety of their children online, and are eager to see social media platforms take steps to address these concerns. "As a parent, I want to ensure that my child is safe online," said one parent. "This update is a major step in the right direction, and I'm grateful to see Instagram taking action to protect its younger users."

The update is also a positive development for teens, who are increasingly aware of the risks associated with social media. "I'm glad that Instagram is taking steps to protect its users," said one teenager. "It's scary to think about the potential risks of social media, and it's reassuring to know that Instagram is working to keep us safe."

Overall, the new protected accounts are a major step forward for Instagram and its efforts to create a safer environment for teens. By limiting unwanted interactions and giving parents and teens greater control over their online activities, Instagram is taking a bold step towards addressing the growing concerns around online safety.