Instagram, the photo-sharing giant owned by Meta, is once again under fire after researchers found significant flaws in its safety features designed to protect teenagers. Despite Meta’s claims of building a safer space for young users, the study reveals that many of these tools are either ineffective or too easy to bypass.

Safety Tools Failing to Shield Teens

The platform introduced measures such as restricted messaging, content sensitivity filters, and parental supervision dashboards. However, researchers say these features do not consistently block harmful material, leaving young users exposed to inappropriate content, online predators, and addictive algorithms. In several cases, teens were able to adjust or disable protections within minutes, undermining their very purpose.

False Sense of Security for Parents

Parents who rely on Instagram’s parental controls may believe their children are safer online than they actually are, experts warn. Researchers highlight that the app provides limited visibility into teens’ activities, while its reporting tools are cumbersome and lack immediate response. This creates a dangerous gap between the platform’s promises and the real-world safety of young users.

Broader Debate on Big Tech’s Responsibility

The revelations come amid growing scrutiny of social media companies over their role in teen mental health crises. Lawmakers in the U.S. and Europe have been pressuring Meta and other tech giants to tighten protections and face penalties for failing to safeguard minors. With the latest findings, campaigners argue that voluntary measures are insufficient and that stronger regulations may be the only effective path forward.

Meta Responds to Criticism

In response to the report, Meta stated that it continuously updates its safety features and collaborates with child safety organizations. A spokesperson emphasized that protecting teens remains a top priority but acknowledged that “no system is perfect.” Critics, however, argue that the pace of improvement remains far behind the growing risks.