Facebook is currently working on the children’s version of Instagram for 13 years old and below. It intends to provide a safer environment where parents can regulate and control accordingly.

The company has indicated that it is coming up with a parent-controlled version of Instagram. It will be similar to the Messenger Kids app for the 6 to 12 years old kids.

Facebook says that it came to their attention that more and more children are asking their parents for permission. Allowing them to join social platforms so that they can catch up with friends. Since the onset of the pandemic where many countries around the world were imposing strict lockdown restrictions. Shifting schools from physical contact to online platforms.

And one way for children to cope with isolation is to connect with friends through social media using smartphones and computers. For the moment, there are not many kids’ friendly options for parents to allow children to participate.

That is why the company is working on a platform to cater to the needs of the children. Parents can regulate and control the children’s accounts. It will focus on two things: (a) accelerate integrity and privacy work to make sure that teens will have a safe environment. (b) To come up with a safe version of Instagram for children 13 years old and below.

Instagram is known for sharing photos among users. As of this time, children 13 years old and below are prohibited to open an account by themselves. However, many of them are using accounts not their own. Some use fake accounts lying to one’s age just to be able to have an account for themselves.

Facebook is working to address this concern by using advanced technology. It will be like machine learning in combination with the registration age to determine users’ ages on the platform.

Safety features on Instagram for 13 years old and below

The company also will be rolling out a new safety feature. It will include preventing adults from messaging those under 18 years of age who are not their followers. It will give safety notices to children whenever a message comes from an adult bulk sending of friend requests. It will make it more difficult for adults to find and follow teens with the search function on Instagram. Teens will also be encouraged to adjust their profile and make it private during registration.

The Australian eSafety commissioner published last February a study on the internet usage of Australian teens. The study shows that around 57% of the Australian teenagers use Instagram, while 30% say that they have been contacted by strangers, and 20% reported receiving inappropriate content on the social media sites used.

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