New Boundaries for Young Users on Instagram

Liam Alexander 03 Sep 2022

Instagram is working on expanding its safety features for the younger audience. The new feature has been introduced recently, which sets users under 16 years to the “Less” option for sensitive content.

If you are under 16 on the app, you probably won’t see many provocative posts as a default. Instagram is dedicated to creating a safe space for young people on the app: teenagers will be advised to keep their setting as “Less.” Of course, you can still manually switch to the “Standard” version of the platform.

Sensitive content will be controlled across all tabs of the app: Explore, Reels, Search, Hashtag Pages, Suggested Accounts, and Recommendations for the younger audience. It is a big step for the Meta-owned platform in providing Internet safety.    

However, users over 18 have access to the “full” version of the platform. You can change your settings regarding sensitive content to “Less”, “Standard”, and “More”.

In addition, Instagram asks younger users to review their preferences about the content they see. You can limit people who try to message or contact you and who can share anything you post. Moreover, setting time limits for managing your experience on the app will be advised.

In July of last year, the company rolled out the update allowing people to choose the sensitivity of the content shared on the platform, and in August, users were asked to review their birthday dates to make sure what age ranges are there on the app.

Recently, Instagram introduced parental controls to the platform. It helps worrying caregivers regulate the amount of time their children spend on the app. In addition, they can also see what accounts teenagers are following and set time limits to manage children’s presence on Instagram.

How else can Instagram regulate sensitive content on the app? Do you think this type of content control is right? Kindly post your thoughts in the comment section below.