Meta Expands Teen Accounts Globally, Boosting Online Safety for Young Users

Meta Rolls Out Teen Accounts for Facebook and Messenger Globally In a move to enhance online safety and parental control, Meta has expanded its teen accounts program to all regions worldwide, making it mandatory for younger teens between the ages of 13 and 15. The specialized accounts, which were first introduced on Instagram last year and later rolled out to select countries on Facebook and Messenger, now provide added protections for hundreds of millions of teenagers using these platforms. According to Meta, the teen accounts will be automatically enabled for eligible users, who can then access features such as parental supervision, screen time monitoring, and restricted privacy settings. The AI-powered system will also detect teens attempting to lie about their age, ensuring compliance with the new policy. "We're committed to providing a safe and secure online environment for all our users," said a Meta spokesperson. "By expanding teen accounts globally, we're taking another step towards protecting younger generations from potential online threats." The expansion of teen accounts comes as part of Meta's ongoing efforts to address concerns around online safety and digital well-being. The company has been working closely with experts, policymakers, and advocacy groups to develop effective solutions. Teen accounts on Facebook and Messenger will feature similar settings to those already available on Instagram, including: Parental supervision: allows parents or guardians to monitor their child's activity, including screen time and messaging history. Restricted privacy settings: limits contact between teens and adults they don't know, reducing the risk of online harassment or exploitation. AI-powered age detection: uses machine learning algorithms to identify users attempting to misrepresent their age. The introduction of teen accounts has been welcomed by experts in the field. "This is a significant step forward in protecting young people from online harm," said Dr. Rachel O'Connell, a leading expert on online safety and digital literacy. "By providing parents with more control over their child's online activity, we can create a safer and more responsible online environment." As part of its ongoing commitment to online safety, Meta is also expanding its program for US middle schools and high schools to expedite reports of bullying and harassment on Instagram. The global rollout of teen accounts marks a significant milestone in Meta's efforts to address the complex challenges surrounding online safety. As the company continues to evolve and adapt to emerging issues, it remains committed to providing a safe and secure online environment for all its users. Background: Meta first introduced teen accounts on Instagram last year as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance online safety and digital well-being. The program was later expanded to select countries on Facebook and Messenger, with the company working closely with experts and policymakers to develop effective solutions. Additional Perspectives: The expansion of teen accounts has been welcomed by advocacy groups and experts in the field. "This is a positive step towards creating a safer online environment for young people," said a spokesperson for the non-profit organization, Common Sense Media. "We look forward to continuing our work with Meta to address the complex challenges surrounding online safety." Current Status: The global rollout of teen accounts has been completed, and eligible users can now access the specialized features and settings on Facebook and Messenger. Next Developments: Meta is committed to ongoing research and development in the field of online safety. The company will continue to work closely with experts, policymakers, and advocacy groups to develop effective solutions and address emerging issues. *Reporting by Engadget.*