Instagram Aligns Teen Accounts with PG-13 Movie Ratings

In a move to address concerns over inappropriate content, Meta's Instagram is revamping its Teen Accounts to be "guided" by the Motion Picture Association's PG-13 rating. This means that users of teen accounts will only be able to see content that aligns with the level of adult-oriented themes typically found in PG-13 movies, such as nudity, sexual expression, profanity, drug use, and violence.

The update, announced on October 12, 2025, is part of Instagram's efforts to provide a safer and more controlled experience for its younger users. Teen Accounts, launched in September 2024, are available to users aged 13-17 and can be supervised by a parent or guardian over 18 years old.

According to Instagram, since the introduction of Teen Accounts, 97% of teens 13-15 have kept their default restrictions on, and 94% of parents surveyed say the feature has been helpful. The company hopes that aligning the content guidelines with the well-known PG-13 rating will offer more clarity and reassurance for parents.

The change will apply across all aspects of the Instagram experience, including the Feed, Stories, comments, recommendations, and search results. Teens will not be able to opt-out of the PG-13 experience without their parent's permission, and the platform will also introduce a new, stricter content setting for parents who want an even more restrictive experience for their children.