- PG-13 is enabled by default for minor accounts; it cannot be disabled without parental permission.
- New “Limited Content” option for stricter parental controls, with comments disabled.
- More filters in searches, recommendations, DMs and experiences IA, and blocking of inappropriate accounts.
- Phased rollout: already in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada; arrival in Europe expected in early 2026.
Instagram has taken a relevant step by aligning the experience of the teenage accounts with a PG-13 film rating. From now on, children under 18 will see content equivalent to that permitted in a PG-13 film by default, with the goal of reducing inappropriate exposure and making it easier for families to understand what appears in the app.
This configuration, which in Spain is equated with 12+, is automatically activated and cannot be modified without the permission of a parent or guardian. Along with this, Meta introduces a stricter option for those who want an even more controlled environment, and expands moderation to almost every surface on Instagram, from the Feed to direct messages.
What changes with the arrival of “PG-13” on Instagram
The content policies for minors have been revised based on an independent standard known to families: the PG-13 ratingAlthough social media and cinema are not identical, the idea is that the 13+ experience on Instagram is comparable to watching a movie in that category.
On top of the rules already in place (e.g., prohibition of nudity or sexually suggestive content and the sale of alcohol or tobacco to minors), Instagram is adding additional limits to hide or not recommend posts with strong language, dangerous stunts, or material that promotes potentially harmful behavior, including images of marijuana paraphernalia.
Important: Even if a PG-13 movie might feature some suggestive scenes, on Instagram that kind of thing content is much more restrictedThe platform maintains a high level of safety standards regarding sensitive topics such as sexuality and graphic violence.
To avoid confusion, minors under 18 are included by default in the settings. 13+, and they won't be able to change it on their own. Family supervision remains the only way to adjust these parameters.
More filters and where they apply
Meta claims to have strengthened the technology that proactively identifies material that exceeds guidelines. These controls apply to the entire Instagram ecosystem: Exploring , Reels, Feed, Stories, comments and links received via direct message.
- Searches: In addition to blocking terms associated with suicide, self-harm or eating disorders, the bans are extended to words with adult content such as "alcohol" or "blood", and work is being done to ensure that they remain blocked even with misprints.
- Accounts: Teenagers will not be able to follow profiles that regularly generate age-inappropriate content, nor will they be able to view their material, DMs, or comments. These accounts will also not be able to follow or contact minors. double meaning.
- Recommendations and DMs: If a friend privately shares a link to content that violates the updated guidelines, the teen won't be able to open it; and the material won't appear as recommended on Reels.
- AI: the experiences of Artificial Intelligence They also conform to PG-13, avoiding answers that would not fit that level of maturity.
In recent months, the company claims to have improved its systems that detect violations in real time to minimize residual cases. However, it acknowledges that no system is perfect and says it is committed to continuing to refine the filters.
Stricter parental controls with “Limited Content”
For families who prefer to tighten the screws even further and are looking for additional controls, the option arrives “Limited content”When enabled, more material is filtered within the teen's account and comments (viewing, leaving, or receiving) on posts are disabled.
Meta anticipates that, starting next year, this configuration will also toughen the conversations with tools AI that minors can maintain, further reducing content and responses that are not appropriate for their age.
According to data shared by the company, 96% of parents surveyed in the United States value having this additional feature, regardless of whether or not they activate it on their children's accounts. The idea is to offer a granular control and easy to handle.
The voice of families and how they will continue to participate
Meta claims to have asked thousands of parents around the world for feedback on adjusting its content limits. In fact, it received more than three million of reviews of actual publications, which served to refine the age-appropriateness guidelines.
In an Ipsos survey commissioned by the company, 95% of American parents found these new settings helpful and 90% said they help better understand what content are likely to see their children on Instagram, figures that point to a greater clarity in experience.
The platform will conduct periodic surveys within the app so parents can continue to provide feedback. Additionally, a method is being tested to enable parents to use monitoring tools. bookmark posts that in their opinion should be hidden from adolescents and explain why; these cases will be sent for priority review.
AI and security: recent context
Following public criticism for inappropriate interactions with chatbots (such as romantic or flirtatious conversations), Meta says it has trained its systems to avoid such responses and block topics such as self-harm or suicide. Adjusting AI experiences to PG-13 is intended to more precisely narrow the gap. Marco of what minors can see or request.
As a complementary measure, the company will use technology age prediction to place adolescents at appropriate levels of protection even when their stated age does not match their actual age.
When it arrives in your country
The rollout is beginning in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, where it is already being activated gradually with the intention of completing the local implementation before the end of the initial phase. Availability will subsequently be expanded. globally.
In Europe - including Spain - the arrival is planned for early 2026Until then, teen accounts will continue to benefit from existing protections, but the PG-13 package will be introduced as the expansion schedule progresses.
There are currently hundreds of millions of minors using teen accounts, which are activated by default on profiles for those under 18. This guarantees a base level high protection, regardless of the level of involvement of each family, with options for those who need stricter adjustments.
With this whole package, Instagram aims to ensure that minors navigate the platform with clear guidance, that parents understand what they can expect, and that there is room to adjust the experience. Although some may occasionally appear suggestive scene Similar to a PG-13 movie, the company insists it will continue working to make such cases as exceptional as possible.
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