Overview

• Meta has extended its Teen Accounts program to Facebook and Messenger, starting in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, with plans for global expansion.
• Users under 16 are now required to obtain parental permission to access features such as livestreaming and disabling nudity-blurring in direct messages.
• Teen Accounts default to private settings, restrict interactions with strangers, and include tools like screen time alerts and sleep mode to promote healthier usage.
• Since the program's launch on Instagram last year, 54 million teens have been transitioned to Teen Accounts, with 97% retaining default protective settings.
• The updates come as Meta faces increasing regulatory and legal scrutiny over the impact of social media on minors, including lawsuits and proposed legislation.