Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced measures to block sensitive and “age-inappropriate” content from reaching teenagers on its platforms. This move comes as part of Meta’s ongoing efforts to prioritize the safety and well-being of young users.
Stricter Content Control Settings for Teens
Previously, Meta had already restricted the recommendation of content related to self-harm, eating disorders, and mental illnesses on Reels and Explore pages for teens. Now, the company is going a step further by implementing additional restrictions. These topics will no longer appear in the feeds and Stories of young users, even if the content was posted by accounts they follow.
In the coming weeks, Meta plans to hide more search results and terms related to suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders for all users. This move is aimed at preventing the inadvertent exposure of harmful content and directing individuals to appropriate resources for help.
“We want teens to have safe, age-appropriate experiences on our apps,” Meta wrote in a blog post announcing these changes. By default, teens will now have the most restrictive content control settings on Facebook and Instagram.
Encouraging Privacy Updates
Meta also plans to send notifications and prompts to teens, encouraging them to update their account settings to enhance privacy. This proactive approach aims to empower young users to make their accounts more private and limit unwanted interactions.
Addressing Concerns and Prioritizing Safety
Meta’s decision to take action stems from the mounting concerns surrounding the impact of its platforms on young people. In 2022, the company faced a lawsuit when a family accused Instagram of recommending content that promoted anorexia and self-harm to their teenage daughter. Additionally, leaked internal documents, known as the “Facebook Papers,” revealed that Meta was aware of Instagram’s harmful effects on teen girls.
Furthermore, a former engineering director and consultant for Meta testified in a congressional hearing, emphasizing the need for the company to do more to protect children. In response to the criticism, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed his commitment to creating safe online experiences for kids in a Facebook post.
Expert Consultations and Support Resources
Meta has been actively working to address these concerns and enhance platform safety. The company claims to have developed more than 30 tools and resources to support teens and their parents. Additionally, Meta regularly consults with experts to ensure the implementation of effective measures for user protection.
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