Instagram has launched Teen Accounts aimed at enhancing safety for users under 16, which includes requiring parental permission for any changes to account settings.

In a bid to promote healthier usage patterns, notifications on the platform will be muted from 10 PM to 7 AM, and automated replies will handle direct messages during these hours.

Parents will have the ability to monitor their children's chat activity from the past week, set daily usage limits, and block access during specific times.

Despite these initiatives, experts remain skeptical about their effectiveness, arguing that while they are positive steps, much more comprehensive action is required.

Critics contend that merely raising age limits does not tackle the fundamental issues at hand, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to ensure online safety.

Meta is currently facing multiple lawsuits from U.S. states, accusing the company of contributing to a youth mental health crisis through its addictive platform designs.

This legal scrutiny is part of a broader global debate regarding the negative impacts of social media on young users, which has been intensified by revelations from former Facebook employee Frances Haugen.

The U.S. Surgeon General has highlighted social media as a significant factor in rising rates of depression and anxiety among youth, suggesting that platforms should carry warning labels similar to those on tobacco products.

Meta's recent actions come amid a growing trend of state-level digital child safety laws, although Congress has yet to pass uniform legislation on the matter.

In light of increasing scrutiny, Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg has faced pressure to enhance online safety measures for children and teenagers, following past criticisms of the company's insufficient efforts.

Clegg has emphasized the importance of developing user-friendly parental control mechanisms across various apps, as part of a broader initiative to improve online safety for young users.