If you’ve been worried about what your teen sees on Instagram, this update brings some relief. The popular platform has started introducing new Teen Account settings in the UAE, with stricter content limits turned on by default. All eligible accounts should have it within the next few months.
Users under 18 will be automatically placed into a more restricted setup, and they can’t switch it off without a parent’s approval. They will now see content filtered to match a 13+ rating system.
Here’s what gets filtered:
- Posts with strong language
- Risky stunts
- Content that could encourage harmful behaviour
- Anything linked to marijuana use
Age limits also include search, DMs, comments, Reels, Explore, and Stories. Even if a teen tries different spellings, content with restricted topics won’t appear.
AI responses and suggestions follow the same rules.
Instagram also introduces a stricter setting called ‘Limited Content’. It filters posts more heavily to keep what children see age-appropriate and removes comments completely, so they can’t see, leave, or receive them.
The changes have already started will reach all users in the UAE and MENA in the next few months. If you’re a parent, check your teen’s account settings. The update may already be active, and once it’s live, you’ll be the one approving any changes.
Other apps from Meta are moving in the same direction. WhatsApp has recently introduced parent-managed accounts for kids under 13. Here’s how to set it up.
There’s another change on Instagram that affects all users. Meta will remove end-to-end encrypted messaging starting May 8. Here’s what it means for you and your DMs.
