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Instagram Puts Teen Accounts on PG-13 by Default as Rollout Begins

The update responds to sustained scrutiny by requiring parental approval before teens relax default safeguards.

Overview

  • Instagram has begun rolling out the PG-13 default in the U.S., U.K., Australia and Canada, with completion targeted by year-end and broader expansion to follow.
  • All users under 18 now have mature content filtered, with under-16s locked into the strictest protections unless a parent consents.
  • Teens aged 16–17 can request changes through Family Center, which routes approvals to parents and centralizes supervision tools.
  • A new Limited Content mode removes comments, tightens filters, and will add PG-13 constraints on AI chats next year, while Instagram’s AI already follows the teen guidelines.
  • Researchers and advocates question effectiveness given past failures and legal scrutiny, and experts warn teens can evade age gates by lying about birthdays or using VPNs.