Teen accounts on Instagram and Facebook will effectively be unable to view content rated for adults only, as well as posts containing profanity, dangerous behavior or sexually suggestive material. Meta is strengthening its teen protection features by restricting direct messages (DMs), comments and search exposure from inappropriate accounts.
"Blocking Adult-Level Content"… Restrictions Extend to DMs and Comments
According to Meta on Tuesday, the newly enhanced teen account protection features will be rolled out sequentially across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, including Korea. The features were previously introduced last year in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.
The core of this overhaul is tightening the content standards that teens are exposed to. Meta said it reset the range of content viewable on teen accounts by referring to the Motion Picture Association (MPA) film rating system.
As a result, teen accounts will face broad restrictions on sexually suggestive content, violent imagery and adult-targeted advertising, as well as posts featuring harsh profanity or those that could encourage dangerous behavior.
The scope of application is also wide. The same standards apply not only to recommended content but also across feeds, stories, comments, search and direct messages (DMs).
"Even if someone sends a teen content that violates our policies via DM, the content cannot be viewed," Meta said. "Search results for inappropriate keywords will also be blocked."
Teen accounts will also be unable to follow accounts that regularly post adult content or whose profiles or bios are deemed inappropriate. Even for accounts already being followed, viewing posts, interacting via comments and sending DMs will be restricted.
Conversely, adult content accounts will also be blocked from following teen accounts or sending them messages.
No Changes Without Parental Consent… "Sleep Mode Maintained"
Meta emphasized that these features are more stringent than the standards for typical films rated for audiences 13 and older.
While some profanity or nudity may be permitted under U.S. film standards, most such content will still be blocked on Instagram and Facebook teen accounts, the company explained.
Additional restriction features are also being introduced for families seeking stronger protection. When parents activate the management features, they can set stricter limits on comment viewing and posting, as well as content exposure range.
A feature that partially eases content restrictions is also offered, but this too can only be changed with parental consent.
Since last year, Meta has applied private account default settings, restricted DM functions and automatic profanity blocking to domestic teen accounts.
The "sleep mode" that limits notifications from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., as well as time management features that recommend breaks after 60 minutes of daily use, will also be maintained.
"Catching Accounts That Lie About Age"… SNS Regulations Spread
Meta plans to strengthen its response to underage accounts that register by misrepresenting their age.
The approach involves using AI to analyze birthday photos posted in feeds or stories to estimate actual ages. The company also said legislation is being pursued to mandate parental-approval-based age verification at the app marketplace level.
"Rather than simply blocking app usage itself, we view going through parental approval at the download stage as more effective," Meta said.
Industry observers say the move aligns with the broader trend of tightening teen social media regulations both in Korea and abroad.
Australia, for instance, became the first country in the world to introduce a "minimum age for social media law," which in principle bans teens under 16 from holding social media accounts.
Experts say the need to protect teens has grown as stimulating and sexually suggestive content spreads rapidly on social media. Meta said it "plans to continue expanding protection features so that teen users can use services in a safer online environment."
