Instagram tightens safety for teens again: Here’s what’s changing

Instagram is rolling out more protections for teenagers, and this time it’s focusing hard on keeping creepy DMs and unwanted interactions at bay. Meta says the update will make Instagram “safer by default” for teens, and while that line’s been used before, there are some practical changes worth noting.

No messages from strangers, at all
If you’re under 18 and don’t follow someone, that person can’t send you a message, even if you’re technically an adult account. This includes verified users, brands, influencers, anyone outside your existing circle.