Instagram taking steps to protect teens on app

Instagram is changing the way teens can message users they don’t know or follow in order to help keep them safe.

The social media app is taking steps to protect teens from unwanted interactions with adults. It announced it will use artificial intelligence to restrict adults from messaging teens if they don’t follow each other.

“We’re looking at machine learning to look at the behavioral signals of how old someone is,” said Carolyn Merrell, head of Global Public Policy Programs at Instagram.

The app will also use prompts to encourage teens to be cautious and make it harder for adults to find and follow them.

“People come to Instagram to connect with family and friends,” Merrell said.

On CBS This Morning, she stressed that the activity on the platform is overwhelmingly positive, but, “in one of our latest reports, we saw that in over 10,000 pieces of content, five were potentially risky for teens, but five is too much. And that’s why we’re investing in even more technology to protect teens.”

A 2019 study found at least 20% of children reported being contacted by an online predator. It’s estimated that there may be 500,000 predators online every day. Some parents aren’t surprised by that looming threat.

“Ah, yes and no. The number yeah, that’s very scary to hear that. That there are people out there doing that? No, unfortunately, that doesn’t surprise me,” said mom Ellen Bunker.

Instagram is also updating its Parents Guide so that parents have the resources to help their children have a positive experience on the platform. The guide encourages setting boundaries and teens making their profiles private.

Teens should also avoid social media for an hour before bed and make sure they have an alarm clock that isn’t their phone.

To learn more about the changes, visit the Instagram website.