Instagram and Facebook will be closed at night
Meta is introducing an automatic night mode for underage users. This will automatically block access to Feeds, Stories, Reels and Explore pages from 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM. Additionally, notifications will be muted by default in standard mode from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. However, important account security notifications and direct messages will continue to arrive.
Screen time will also be monitored
The new features will provide users with constant reminders to reduce screen time. The first warning will appear after 15 minutes of uninterrupted browsing. Additional alerts to reduce usage will then appear when total daily screen time reaches 60 and 90 minutes. Meta has also provided an option to disable video autoplay, requiring users to manually swipe or tap the next video instead of automatically playing it.
Using AI to protect children
The number of likes and reactions on small accounts will be hidden by default. Meta also said it is using AI models to help identify and remove accounts of children under 13. Users aged 13 to 17 will be offered a safer experience. The changes follow a nearly $18 billion settlement between Meta and 52 states, territories and the attorney general in Washington, DC.