Instagram is using analogies from popular PG-13 movies like Titanic and The Fast and the Furious to explain the nuances of its new content rating system for teens. The platform, owned by Meta, is launching a “13+” setting that will not completely prohibit nudity or moderate violence.
The new system, which will be the default for all users under 18, aims to mirror the standards parents are familiar with from the cinema. Just as a PG-13 film might include fleeting, non-sexual nudity, the new Instagram rating will not implement a total ban. Similarly, moderate action violence, akin to that in popular blockbuster franchises, will not be entirely blocked.
However, the PG-13 setting will significantly tighten restrictions in other areas. It will hide or demote content with strong language, dangerous stunts, and material that promotes harmful behaviors like substance use. The goal is to create an experience that feels closer to watching a PG-13 movie than an R-rated one.
This clarification comes as Meta rolls out the feature in response to heavy criticism about teen safety. A recent report claimed the platform’s tools were ineffective, prompting a more robust response from the company. By drawing parallels to well-known films, Meta hopes to make its complex content policies more understandable for parents.
The feature will launch in the US, UK, and other nations before a global rollout. While the movie analogy provides clarity, safety advocates remain focused on the outcome, demanding independent proof that the new system effectively protects teens from the most harmful types of content online.
