Instagram announced this week the launch of «Teenage Accounts» to help make the platform safer for young people aged 13 to 17. These accounts offer special features, such as blocking sensitive content, private accounts by default, a sleep mode to encourage rest, and a time limit to prevent spending too many hours on the app.
Justine Atlan, Director General of the e-Enfance / 3018 Association, was interviewed by Franceinfo to give her opinion on these new developments. She said that these changes are «a step forward in protecting all young people on social media». But she also spoke of the potential dangers: «Regardless of whether or not parents monitor their children's online activity, they will at least have a minimum level of protection.» However, she warned that some young people might try to cheat by lying about their age to avoid the restrictions.
Regarding the role of parents, she adds: «As parents, we already monitor what our children do in everyday life: who their friends are, where they go. It is our duty to protect them. It is important that parents continue to have tools to protect their children, even on social media.»
