Instagram introduces new ‘Limits’ tool for teen safety

Instagram has recently announced a significant update to its “Limits” feature, allowing users to better manage and control interactions on the platform to combat harassment and unwanted messages. This update builds on the existing functionality of Limits, which was initially rolled out to help creators manage harassment campaigns but is now available to all users facing unwanted interactions.

The Limits tool was originally introduced in 2021 as a response to the online harassment faced by English footballers Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho after the Euro 2020 finals. While initially available for everyone, the feature now comes with a default setting specifically tailored for teens, prioritizing their safety and well-being.

The updated Limits feature now allows users to mute incoming messages, tags, and mentions from everyone except those on their Close Friends list. This means that users can effectively filter out noise from accounts that aren’t in their trusted circle, without completely disconnecting from their supportive community.

When you enable Limits for everyone except your Close Friends, you will only see interactions from people on your list. Interactions from others, such as comments on your posts or direct messages, will be hidden from your view, and these accounts won’t be notified that their content is being hidden. Users also have the flexibility to choose whether to view or ignore limited comments and messages.

To activate the Limits feature, users can navigate to their profile, tap on the hamburger menu in the top-right corner of the screen, and select “Limited interactions.” From there, you can toggle on Limits for accounts that aren’t following you, recent followers, or everyone except your Close Friends. You can set these limits for up to four weeks and extend them as needed.

In addition to the expanded Limits feature, Instagram is enhancing its “Restrict” feature, which now allows users to prevent a specific account from tagging or mentioning them in posts, in addition to hiding their comments. This additional control gives users more power to manage their interactions and protect their online experience.

These updates come at a time when Instagram and its parent company Meta are under increased scrutiny over the safety of young users. Earlier this year, Meta implemented new features to prevent adults from messaging minors on Instagram and Facebook by default, enhancing safety measures for younger users. The company has also taken steps to hide sensitive content related to suicide and eating disorders from teenage users on both platforms.

Overall, Instagram’s expanded Limits feature and enhanced safety controls reflect a commitment to improving user safety and providing more tools to combat harassment and unwanted interactions. By giving users greater control over their interactions and fostering a safer online environment, Instagram aims to create a positive and supportive community for all users.