SAN FRANCISCO: Internet technology giant Meta has announced new parental control features that will allow parents to monitor and restrict children’s use of AI chatbots across its platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, starting early next year, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Under the new system, parents will be able to completely disable one-on-one chats between their children and specific AI characters.
However, Meta clarified that its AI assistant will remain active, continuing to provide educational and informative content tailored to a child’s age, with built-in safety filters.
Parents will also have the option to block certain AI chatbots entirely, the company said. Additionally, they will gain limited insight into the nature of conversations their children are having with AI, though they won’t be able to view full chat histories.
The update comes as Meta faces mounting criticism and legal scrutiny over the potential mental health risks its platforms pose to children. Some lawsuits have alleged that AI chatbots may contribute to self-harm tendencies among minors.
A recent study found that over 70% of teenagers in the U.S., Europe, and other developed nations use AI chatbots, with more than half engaging with them regularly.
In addition, Meta announced that teen accounts on Instagram will automatically be restricted to PG-13-rated content, meaning users will only see material comparable to PG-13 films — excluding sexual content, drug use, or dangerous behavior.
Children will not be able to alter these safety settings without parental approval, and the same PG-13 restrictions will extend to AI chatbot interactions.
