HÀ NỘI — Meta has expanded restrictions for teenage users in Việt Nam with an updated version of its Teen Accounts system across Facebook, Instagram and Messenger, introducing tighter controls over the content young people can view, search for and interact with online.

The update adds stricter content filters modelled on 13+ film rating standards, alongside a new Limited Content option that allows parents to apply additional restrictions to their children’s accounts.

Teen Accounts were first introduced in Việt Nam last year as a set of default protections for users aged between 13 and 17. According to Meta, the latest rollout is the most significant update to the feature since its launch.

Under the revised system, teenagers will be prevented from viewing or engaging with a wider range of content deemed unsuitable for their age group, including posts featuring strong language, risky stunts and references to substances such as alcohol or marijuana.

The restrictions will apply across feeds, recommendations, direct messages and search functions.

Meta said the changes were developed in part in response to feedback from parents seeking clearer standards on the type of content teenagers could access online.

“Under the new system, content available to teens on Instagram and Facebook will be equivalent to PG-13 content,” said Malina Enlund at a press meeting on Thursday.

Teen Accounts automatically place users under private account settings and limit contact from strangers. Teenagers aged between 13 and 15 cannot change safety settings without parental approval, while older teens are given greater flexibility.

Meta said parents would also receive additional supervision tools through its Family Centre feature, including the ability to monitor screen time, view who their teenager is communicating with and receive alerts if their child searches for sensitive topics such as suicide, eating disorders or self-harm.

“This is the most significant update to Teen Accounts since Meta introduced them on Instagram, Facebook and Messenger in Việt Nam last year,” the company said in a statement.

Enlund also said Meta plans to expand Teen Accounts to Threads globally from July, with the feature expected to become available in Việt Nam later this year.

Meta said more than 97 per cent of teenage users worldwide had remained within the strictest protection settings since Teen Accounts were introduced.

The company plans to promote the updated features during Việt Nam’s Children’s Action Month activities and through digital literacy programmes later this year. — BIZHUB