Instagram Introduces Safer Teen Accounts in India with Stronger Protections

Meta has expanded Instagram’s Teen Accounts in India to create a safer online space for young users. The platform will now automatically apply the highest safety settings for teens, limiting unwanted interactions, improving privacy, and allowing parental oversight.

To prevent fake age claims, Instagram is making its verification process stricter. If someone tries to sign up with an adult birthdate, they must complete extra verification steps. This change follows India’s draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, which suggest requiring parental approval for children’s online accounts.

With the new Teen Accounts, parents can review their child’s contacts, approve account changes, set screen time limits, and restrict usage at certain hours. By default, teen accounts will be private, limit sensitive content, and activate anti-bullying features. Instagram will also remind teens to take breaks after 60 minutes of daily use and automatically turn on “Sleep Mode” from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Meta’s India Public Policy Director, Natasha Jog, said these updates aim to enhance teen safety, support parents, and make the platform more secure. More parental controls will be introduced soon to improve supervision.