Meta's Instagram Safety Features Spark Debate Over Transparency and Mental Health Concerns
Published on 4.13.25
Meta's Social Media Safety Measures Debated
The recent introduction of safety features on Instagram by Meta has been met with mixed reactions from experts and lawmakers. The company claims that 97% of teens aged 13-15 have used these restrictions since their implementation last year, but online safety groups and state attorneys general have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in Meta's business model.
US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called for a "warning label" on social media apps to raise awareness about potential mental health risks. State attorneys general have sued Meta over its business model, which they claim prioritizes addiction over children's well-being.
Some parents have found the safety features helpful, with 94% saying so, but experts warn that this may not be enough to mitigate the negative effects of excessive parental involvement on social media. The debate highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing mental health concerns in children, one that balances parental involvement with the importance of independence and emotional well-being.