Instagram has just announced the expansion of its +13 age-appropriate content classification, along with the launch of a new “Restricted Content” feature for users in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
This update aims to ensure that teenagers are automatically shown safe and age-appropriate content. All users under the age of 18 will now be placed by default under the updated +13 settings, and they will not be able to disable these protections without parental approval.
This move follows the success of the “Teen Accounts” update and the “Restricted Content” feature, which were previously introduced in October 2025 in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Canada.
Introduction of Restricted Content
Teen users may occasionally encounter content containing suggestive themes or offensive language on platforms such as Instagram. However, the platform states it will continue working to minimize such occurrences.
Instagram also emphasized that while no system is perfect, it remains committed to continuously improving safety measures to give parents greater control and peace of mind regarding their children’s online experience.
Updated Teen Content Policies
Instagram originally launched “Teen Accounts” to protect younger users from inappropriate content. The platform has since strengthened its age-based guidelines to filter out more potentially harmful material under the updated +13 classification system.
These updated policies are based on feedback from parents and are designed to better reflect expected safety standards for teenage users. Instagram has also confirmed that it will continue reviewing and improving these guidelines over time.
Stricter Content Controls
In addition to existing policies that already block sexual content, nudity, adult material (such as tobacco and alcohol), and disturbing imagery, Instagram will now enforce stricter rules, including:
Blocking or limiting posts containing profanity
Restricting content promoting risky or harmful behaviors
Removing recommendations for content showing drug-related tools or dangerous activities
Expanded Protection for Teen Accounts
1. Accounts
Teenagers will no longer be able to follow accounts that regularly share inappropriate content or have profiles indicating they are not suitable for their age.
If already followed, teens will no longer be able to:
View or interact with such content
Send direct messages to those accounts
See their comments on other posts
These accounts will also be restricted from interacting with teen users.
2. Search
Instagram is blocking search terms related to sensitive topics such as:
Suicide and self-harm
Eating disorders
Alcohol and violent content
Even misspelled versions of these terms will also be restricted for teen users.
3. Content Experience
Teen users will not be shown content that violates updated guidelines in recommendations such as Explore, Reels, Feed, and Stories—even if shared by accounts they follow.
Additionally, if a link to restricted content is sent via direct messages, teens will not be able to access it.
4. Artificial Intelligence
AI experiences for teens have also been updated to ensure responses remain age-appropriate for users aged 13 and above.
Introduction of “Restricted Content” Mode
Recognizing that some families prefer stricter controls, Instagram is introducing an additional feature called “Restricted Content.”
This mode further limits the amount of content accessible to teen accounts and also disables:
Viewing comments
Writing comments
Receiving comments
Rollout Timeline
Instagram has already begun gradually rolling out the updated teen content settings in the MENA region. Full implementation is expected over the coming months.
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