Meta rolls out Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger globally

Core Points - Meta is expanding its Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger globally, after initially launching them in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada [1][2] - The Teen Accounts are designed to provide built-in protections and parental controls for users under 16, requiring parental permission to change settings [2][3] - The accounts limit interactions to friends and followers, restricts messaging, and includes reminders for users to take breaks from the platform [3] Industry Context - The expansion follows scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers regarding the safety of teens on social media platforms [2] - Research from a Meta whistleblower indicates that despite protections, teens may still encounter harmful content on Instagram, which Meta disputes [4] - Meta is also launching a School Partnership Program to allow educators to report safety concerns directly to Instagram, enhancing the platform's response to issues like bullying [7][8] - This initiative aligns with growing concerns about teen mental health related to social media, highlighted by the U.S. Surgeon General and various states [9]