Zeno Thinks: Does Instagram’s “Teen Accounts” fix the issues with privacy and control in social media?

Instagram started rolling out “Teen Accounts” this week in a small number of markets as a test of several new features. The move will turn privacy settings on for all under 18s by default and make any content they publish unviewable to people who don’t follow them.

There’s a bigger shift for children aged 13 to 15, who will now only be able to adjust their default account settings by adding a parent or guardian. Those who are 15 and under will have strict controls set on things like sensitive content, notifications during nighttime hours and parents will be able to see who they talk to and the topics they’re interested in.

As a parent of two kids who are starting to become aware of social media and have already asked to use it, despite being too young, I understand firsthand the concerns around privacy, safety and the challenges of navigating these platforms at such an impressionable age.

For many these are welcome controls and mark a step in the right direction in terms of monitoring and limiting exposure to social media. However, some long-standing challenges remain – children can still (and will) try to set up adult accounts by finding ways to get around age verification, which has improved but isn’t 100%, and of course there are a variety of other platforms they can use that don’t have these controls.

The reality for the platforms is that trying to balance usability and simple processes with tighter controls is a constant challenge. With increased competition from other platforms, especially for the attention of younger generations, they need to find a way to give users enough of the content and freedom that will keep them on their apps, while making efforts to put controls in place that will keep people safe and reassure parents.

Another concern lies in how effectively these teen accounts can truly shield young users from harmful social media behaviours. While privacy settings and parental controls offer more protection, they don’t eliminate issues like cyberbullying, social comparison or the pressure to curate a perfect online image. Sadly, there’s also unlikely to be controls to stop that embarrassing real-life moment from being filmed and going viral any time soon.

These are deeper challenges rooted in social media itself, and while limiting exposure can help, it’s not a full solution. Teens may still feel compelled to seek validation through likes and comments or experience anxiety from seeing others’ carefully curated lives. The psychological impact of social media on adolescents is a complex issue, requiring not only platform-level controls but also broader conversations about responsible use and parental oversight.

Instagram’s Teen Accounts are an important step forward in addressing some of the privacy and safety concerns that have plagued social media for years. By implementing stricter controls and involving parents, Instagram is showing a commitment to improving the online experience for younger users. While challenges remain, continued innovation in this area offers hope that social platforms can strike a better balance between engagement and safety.

With these new features, Instagram is paving the way for more responsible social media use among teens, setting a positive precedent for the future. If successful, this trial will likely be rolled out to other markets and to other Meta platforms, including Facebook. Will other platforms follow? Will we ever see self-controls for adult accounts like we do with gaming and gambling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.