Meta Introduces New AI Safety Features for Teens

• Meta prioritizes teen safety with new AI controls.
• Parents can manage teens' interactions with AI characters.
• New features will roll out in early 2026.

Meta announced new parental controls aimed at enhancing teen safety in AI interactions on October 16, 2025.

The updates will allow parents to manage how their teens engage with AI characters on the platform.

The new features include the ability for parents to completely turn off their teen's access to one-on-one chats with AI characters.

“We recognize parents already have a lot on their plates when it comes to navigating the internet safely with their teens,” said Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram.

“We’re committed to providing them with helpful tools and resources that make things simpler for them.”

Additionally, parents will have the option to block specific AI characters and gain insights into the topics their teens discuss with AI.

Existing protections include age-appropriate content guidelines and restrictions on discussions about sensitive topics.

Meta plans to begin rolling out these new parental supervision controls in early 2026, starting with Instagram in English for users in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Meta is committed to ensuring the safety of teens on its platforms by implementing age-appropriate protections and continuously adapting to new technology.

The company aims to provide a supportive environment for teens to explore and learn.