Instagram and the “PG-13” Label

Instagram is expanding its Teen Accounts and dropped the “PG-13” language. Students can analyze the communications about these accounts—and explore skepticism about whether these new safety tools work.

After losing two lawsuits about child safety, Meta’s Instagram focuses on Teen Accounts to reassure parents and appease European lawmakers. But the PG-13 label was contested by the Motion Picture Association as a trademark violation and potential cause of confusion.

Meta’s attempts to restrict teen content literally cannot be “guided by” or “aligned with” the MPA’s PG-13 movie rating because Meta does not follow this curated process. Instead, Meta’s content restrictions appear to rely heavily on artificial intelligence or other automated technology measures.

At issue is the degradation of the rating, which is determined by parents who watch the movies. In updated language, Meta said it was “closer to PG-13 movie standards—which parents already know.” In this latest communication, titled, “Instagram Expands Teen Accounts Inspired by 13+ Content Ratings,” Meta refrains from “PG” language entirely, instead saying the “revamped Teen Accounts” are “inspired by 13+ movie ratings criteria and parent feedback.”

Students may have a lot of opinions about the announcement and Teen Accounts. They might explore criticism about age verification and content screening to assess whether parents can trust this classification. They might also assess Instagram’s “Tips for Parents” and “Manage Your Teen Account Settings” for kids.