Jakarta, INTI – As digital platforms become increasingly embedded in the lives of children and teenagers, concerns over exposure to harmful content and risky interactions continue to grow. In response, tech giant Meta has introduced the Teen Account feature on Instagram — an initiative that enables parents to take an active role in protecting their children's digital experience.
Antigone Davis, Vice President and Global Head of Safety at Meta, emphasized the importance of responsible adults guiding young people through their online experiences.
“Young people need responsible individuals to ensure they have safe and positive experiences. It’s not just about our technology, but the broader online ecosystem they encounter,” Davis said during the Digital Smart 2025 press conference held in Jakarta.
Comprehensive Monitoring Tools for Parents and Teens
The Teen Account feature automatically applies to Instagram users aged 13 to 17, with a range of settings designed to enhance privacy and limit unwanted interactions:
- Private Accounts by Default, allowing only approved followers to view content and interact.
- Parental Supervision Tools, including screen time management and night mode settings.
- Sleep Mode, which silences notifications and enables automatic replies to direct messages from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
- Hidden Words Feature, which filters out offensive or harmful words in comments and messages.
- Usage Reminders, prompting teens to take breaks after 60 minutes of app use.
These features not only protect teens from potential online threats but also promote healthy screen time habits and digital boundaries.
Positive Impact in the United States
Since its launch in the United States in September 2024, the Teen Account feature has shown impressive results. Meta reports that:
- 94% of parents felt the feature helped them maintain a safer digital space for their children.
- 97% of teenagers reduced their social media activity during nighttime hours.
These statistics indicate that combining technology with active parental involvement can lead to positive behavioral changes among young users.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility Between Parents and Technology
Meta’s introduction of the Teen Account is a strong reminder that ensuring digital safety for young users requires more than just technology — it demands collaboration with families. With built-in features designed to support privacy, time management, and protection from inappropriate interactions, Meta is helping foster a healthier and more responsible social media environment.
In an age where digital life is inseparable from everyday life, the role of parents as digital mentors and protectors has never been more crucial. Through the Teen Account, parents are no longer distant observers — they now have the tools to actively shape their children’s online experiences for the better.
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