Meta Unveils New Features on Instagram and Facebook Aimed at Fostering Healthy Social Media Practices and Improving Privacy and Safety for Teen Users.
Meta is actively developing new privacy and safety features tailored for its younger audience on Facebook and Instagram. The company has already rolled out features empowering teens to control the content and search terms they encounter on the platforms. Expanding on these efforts, Meta has introduced additional features, including Nighttime Nudge, Parental Supervision, and more.
Nighttime Nudge
To address the issue of teens spending excessive late-night hours on platforms like Instagram’s Reels and Direct Messages, Meta is introducing “Nighttime Nudges.” This feature gently reminds teens, after spending more than 10 minutes on Reels or Direct Messages late at night, to log off for better sleep and healthier habits.
Parental Supervision Tools on Messenger
Last year, Meta announced Parental Supervision tools providing parents with insights into their teens’ Messenger app use while maintaining message content privacy. Initially launched in the US, UK, and Canada, these tools are now expanding globally across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Horizon Worlds. Key features include:
- Tracking teen’s Messenger activity
- Receiving updates on contacts and privacy settings
- Notifications if the teen needs support
- Control over who can contact the teen
- Monitoring online visibility of the teen
Privacy Features for Instagram and Facebook DM
Meta is testing new features in Instagram DMs to safeguard users, particularly teens, from unwanted interactions. These include safety notices for potentially suspicious behavior, restrictions on adults over 19 sending private messages to teens who don’t follow them, and ongoing tests for additional features like invite-only connections and limiting message request invites to text only.
Time Managing Tools for Teens
In a bid to foster a positive online experience, Meta is introducing features like “Take a Break” on Instagram. Teens will receive notifications after spending 20 minutes on Facebook, encouraging breaks and allowing them to set daily time limits. Additionally, there are plans for nudges on Instagram, suggesting teens close the app when engaging with Reels late at night.
