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Meta rolls out Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger globally

Meta has expanded its Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger worldwide, initially available in select countries. These accounts offer parental controls and protections to limit inappropriate content. The move follows criticism from lawmakers for not adequately safeguarding teen users. Research highlights ongoing risks for young users, despite new features, prompting Meta to launch initiatives like the School Partnership Program to enhance safety.

Key points

  • Meta announced the global rollout of Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger, targeting users aged 13-17.
  • Initially, these accounts were limited to the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada, following scrutiny from lawmakers regarding teen safety on social networks.
  • Teen Accounts limit content exposure and communication, requiring parental approval for changes and restricting messages to known contacts only.
  • Meta has implemented features such as daily reminders for hourly usage and 'Quiet mode' during night hours.
  • Despite these measures, research indicates that teens continue to encounter harmful content, raising concerns about the effectiveness of protections.
  • In tandem with Teen Accounts, Meta is launching a School Partnership Program for educators to report safety concerns directly to Instagram.

Why it matters

  • The initiative comes amid growing concerns regarding social media's impact on teen mental health, prompting government scrutiny.
  • Historically, social media platforms have faced backlash for insufficient protections leading to mental health issues among users.
  • As of 2025, IT trends indicate a shift towards enhanced user safety and transparency in social media applications, reflecting growing demand for corporate responsibility.

The expansion of Teen Accounts demonstrates Meta's efforts to enhance safety for young users amidst ongoing criticisms. However, persistent risks highlight the need for continued vigilance and improvement in protections as societal awareness of mental health impacts from social media grows.