UNDER-16 INSTAGRAM USERS TO BE BARRED FROM LIVESTREAMING WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT

Thu 17 April 2025:

US-based Meta – the tech company behind Facebook and Instagram, among others – announced Tuesday that users under the age of 16 will no longer will be able to use the livestream feature without parental permission.

Under updates to the Teen Accounts feature on Instagram, users younger than 16 will also no longer be able to disable the “automatic blurring” feature in private messages, said a statement by Meta.

The Teen Accounts feature will be expanded to Facebook and Messenger, it added.

The updates will first be tested in the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia in the coming months.

Instagram introduced the Teen Accounts feature last September, aimed at limiting the use of the platform by minors and teenagers and enhancing safety measures.

The moves come amid a push in many countries to limit or ban social media use under a certain age, with research pointing to the dangers of social media use by young minds.

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Social media can harm kids in several ways. First, it exposes them to cyberbullying—studies show 20-40% of teens face online harassment, which can lead to anxiety, depression, or even self-harm.

Second, excessive use, often 3+ hours daily for many kids, cuts into sleep and physical activity, with screen time linked to obesity and poor academic performance.

Third, curated images and influencers promote unrealistic body standards, contributing to low self-esteem; about 30% of teen girls report negative body image tied to social media.

Fourth, algorithms push addictive behaviors, keeping kids hooked and reducing attention spans. Finally, exposure to inappropriate content—violence, misinformation, or predators—poses risks, as 1 in 5 kids encounter harmful material online. Lack of regulation and weak parental oversight often worsen these issues, making social media a tricky space for young minds.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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