Meta Expands Global 13+ Content Restrictions for Teen Users

Meta is rolling out its 13+ content restrictions worldwide for teen users on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. The settings were first introduced in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada in October 2025 and are now being extended to all regions. They limit teens’ exposure to inappropriate content in feeds, Reels, and other areas, and restrict interactions with profiles, pages, groups, and events that frequently post mature material.

On Messenger, the defaults block links to inappropriate content and limit chats with accounts that primarily share such material. Meta plans to introduce stricter “Limited Content” settings later this year. Instagram is also adding restrictions on topics such as nutrition, weightlifting, and coping with anxiety to reduce potential harm for younger users.

The company submitted its teen safety processes for external review by online safety firm Alice. The assessment found Instagram’s protections outperformed a leading competitor in limiting mature content. Meta addressed the identified issues.

The expansion comes amid growing global regulatory pressure on social media platforms to protect minors. Australia implemented an under-16 social media ban in December 2025, though early reports indicate many underage users are still accessing apps. Meta has removed access to nearly 550,000 suspected underage accounts in Australia.

The 13+ system draws inspiration from movie ratings to help parents understand content guidelines. After a dispute with the Motion Picture Association over use of the “PG-13” label, Meta now primarily refers to the restrictions as “13+.”