More power for parents of young people
Instagram introduces teen accounts in Germany
12/11/2024 - 1:53 p.mReading time: 1 Min.
Meta has repeatedly been accused of doing too little to protect children and young people.There are now drastic changes for an app.
Instagram is now bringing its protection function for young people to Germany.This gives parents of teenagers more control over how their children use the app.
In the future, Instagram will automatically assign teenagers “teen accounts” and restrict numerous functions. Users under the age of 16 can only relax the protection function with the consent of their parents.
Parents can also check who their teenage children have chatted with in the past seven days. You cannot see the content of the messages.Parents can also set a time limit for daily use, after which the app is no longer available - or block access for certain periods of time.
The innovations also include an AI function that looks for incorrect age details.This could be used to estimate whether teenagers are pretending to be adults, according to Instagram.the users tracked down in this way are also moved to teen accounts – with the option to get rid of the restrictions if the software made a mistake.
How can parents initiate conversations with their teens about social media safety adn usage?
Interview: Enhancing Parental Control on Instagram for Teen Users
Editor (Time.news): Welcome! Today, we have Dr. Anna Schwartz,a social media expert specializing in youth digital safety,to discuss Instagram’s recent introduction of teen accounts in Germany. Dr. Schwartz, can you start by explaining what prompted Meta to make these changes?
Dr. Anna Schwartz: Thank you for having me! Meta has faced notable criticism for not doing enough to protect young users on its platforms. The changes, including the introduction of “teen accounts,” seem to be a direct response to growing concerns from parents, experts, and advocacy groups about the potential negative impacts of social media on teenagers’ mental health and safety.
Editor: What exactly do these new “teen accounts” entail?
Dr. Schwartz: The new teen accounts restrict various functions for users under 16, ensuring a safer online environment. As an example, teenagers can only relax these restrictions with parental consent. Parents now have enhanced controls to review their child’s interactions, including details about who they’ve chatted with over the past week—though they won’t see the actual content of those messages. Additionally, parents can set daily usage limits for the app.
Editor: How do you see these changes affecting the relationship between parents and their teenage children?
Dr. Schwartz: I believe these measures will facilitate healthier conversations between parents and their teens regarding social media use. With more clarity, parents can engage in discussions about digital safety and responsible usage. This could potentially alleviate some of the generational tensions surrounding technology by establishing a mutual understanding of online environments.
Editor: Could you delve into the role of the AI function that Meta has integrated to monitor age accuracy?
Dr.Schwartz: Absolutely. The AI function is designed to catch incorrect age details when users sign up for Instagram, which is crucial in preventing underage individuals from accessing adult content. If the AI detects inconsistencies, the user is automatically placed in a teen account. Though, if the account is incorrectly categorized, there’s an option to contest the decision, which is a fair approach.
Editor: What are your thoughts on these innovations in terms of their potential impact on youth mental health and safety?
Dr. Schwartz: By implementing these protective features, Instagram is taking an essential step toward prioritizing youth safety.With parental controls, teens may feel less pressure to portray a curated life on social media, which can lead to reduced anxiety and enhanced well-being. While the app won’t completely shield them from the risks of social media, these measures should help strike a healthier balance.
Editor: How can parents effectively use these new features to ensure their teens are safe online?
Dr. Schwartz: Communication is key.Parents should discuss the new features with their teens, explaining the reasons behind them and encouraging open dialog about online experiences. Parents can use the ability to check recent contacts and set daily usage limits to partner with their children in managing their social media interactions, fostering a collaborative environment rather than an authoritarian one.
Editor: Lastly, do you have any practical tips for parents navigating their teens’ social media usage?
Dr. schwartz: Yes! First,stay informed about the apps your teens are using,including their features and potential risks. encourage your children to share their online experiences with you and have regular discussions to keep communication open. Additionally, consider creating family agreements around social media use that set guidelines and expectations together. It’s about building trust and ensuring that teens understand the importance of online safety.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Schwartz, for sharing your insights on this essential topic. Your expertise is invaluable for parents looking to navigate the complexities of social media impact on their children’s lives.
Dr.Schwartz: Thank you for the possibility to discuss these crucial developments!