TORONTO - Amid mounting accusations that kids aren't being kept safe on social media, Instagram says it will automatically give teens private accounts with limited capabilities as their default.The accounts launched for new underage users in Canada on Tuesday and will be handed to teens already on the platform over the next 60 days.The account's default settings include blocking teens from being messaged by people they aren't connected with and minimizing their exposure to sensitive content such as posts that depict violence or encourage cosmetic procedures.Parental supervision tools baked into the accounts will allow parents to see who their teen is messaging, when and how long they're on Instagram, and set screen time limits. Those under the age of 16 will only be able to change the settings with parental approval.The settings are Instagram parent company Meta Platforms Inc.‘s answer to a barrage of concerns that parents, politicians and educators have raised about how much time teens are spending on social…

Children aren't meant to vape, smoke or drink and we regulate those things, a social media consultant says.

News of separate teen accounts for those under 18 comes amid growing backlash against how social media affects young people.