Meta has announced new measures to help parents manage their teenagers' interactions with artificial intelligence (AI) on its platforms. The company says these changes are designed to give parents more oversight as teens use AI to explore interests, learn new skills, and seek educational support.
According to Meta, the new tools will allow parents to turn off their teen’s access to one-on-one chats with AI characters. If this feature is disabled, Meta’s AI assistant will still be available, offering information and educational opportunities with built-in age-appropriate protections. Parents will also have the option to block specific AI characters without removing access to all AI features. Additionally, they will be able to view insights into the topics their teens discuss with AI characters and Meta’s AI assistant, helping to facilitate conversations about online safety and AI use.
"Technology will never replace the value of critical thinking, real-life connections, and human interaction – and that’s not our aim. We believe AI can complement traditional learning methods and exploration in a way that feels supportive, all with the proper age-appropriate guardrails in place," Meta stated.
Meta said that it has already implemented several protections for teens using AI. These include limiting interactions to a select group of AI characters focused on age-appropriate topics such as education, sports, and hobbies, and excluding content related to romance or other inappropriate subjects. The company also ensures that its AI does not engage in discussions about self-harm, suicide, or disordered eating with teens, and directs users to expert resources when necessary.
Meta’s parental controls also let parents see if their teens are using AI chat features and set time limits for app use, including time spent with AI. The company acknowledges that some teens may attempt to bypass these protections and is using AI technology to identify users it suspects are underage, even if they claim otherwise.
Meta plans to introduce these new supervision tools starting with Instagram early next year, with initial rollout in English in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The company said it will continue to adapt its policies as AI technology evolves and will provide more updates in the future.
"We hope today’s updates bring parents some peace of mind that their teens can make the most of all the benefits AI offers, with the right guardrails and oversight in place," Meta said.