Instagram has announced a significant update aimed at making the platform safer for teens. The new ‘PG-13’ mode, rolling out in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, introduces stricter content controls for users under 16.
With this setting enabled, accounts belonging to teens will be shielded from adult content. Instagram will automatically block or hide accounts that frequently post explicit material or content deemed unsafe for younger users. The platform will also continue to restrict access to posts containing nudity, sexual content, suggestive poses, or strong language. In addition, posts and reels featuring risky stunts or excessive swearing will be less visible to teens.
Instagram explained the move by saying, “Just like you might see some suggestive content or hear some strong language in a PG-13 movie, teens may occasionally see something like that on Instagram — but we’re going to keep doing all we can to keep those instances as rare as possible.”
Beyond content filtering, the update will prevent teens from searching for sensitive topics such as “gore” or “alcohol.” The new policy also blocks users from direct messaging accounts that have unsafe content in their bios, such as external links to adult sites or regular adult content posts. These so-called “18+ Accounts” will also be hidden from users who are not logged in.
Instagram plans to expand the ‘PG-13’ mode to more countries in the future as part of its ongoing efforts to protect teen users online.