Meta Launches Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger Worldwide

Meta is expanding its “teen accounts” on Facebook and Messenger to users worldwide, adding parental controls and new protections. The company says hundreds of millions of teens already use these accounts across Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.

Teen accounts first appeared on Instagram last year. Earlier in 2024, Meta rolled them out on Facebook and Messenger in the US, Canada, the the UK, and Australia. Now, these accounts are mandatory for all teens globally. Users aged 13 to 15 must get parental approval before changing safety settings. Meta also uses AI to detect teens who misrepresent their age.

With these accounts, parents gain greater oversight. They can monitor screen time, view who their teens message, and supervise app usage. The accounts also feature stricter privacy defaults that reduce contact with unknown adults.

Instagram is expanding its “school partnership program” across the US. This program allows schools to quickly report bullying and harmful behavior. It was previously tested with select middle and high schools. After positive feedback, Meta is opening enrollment to all interested schools nationwide.

In recent years, Meta has increased its focus on child safety. The company has added parental control tools and addressed long-standing gaps in its systems. These updates arrive as Meta faces lawsuits and investigations over its responsibility to protect young users.