Meta is rolling out teen account functionality to Facebook and Messenger. The feature, which automatically integrates younger users into app experiences with built-in protections, will be available on these platforms in the US, UK, Australia and Canada, with expansion to other regions in the future.

Teen accounts were first launched on Instagram last September after Instagram and other popular social networks came under heavy criticism from U.S. lawmakers for not doing enough to protect teenagers. As part of Tuesday's announcement, Meta said it will provide new built-in protections for teen accounts on Instagram.

As Facebook and Messenger expand, teens will automatically enter experiences designed to limit inappropriate content and unwanted connections. Teens under 16 need parental permission to change any settings.

Image source: Meta

While Meta didn't reveal the specific restrictions teens will be subject to in a blog post about the launch, the company said in an email that teens will only receive messages from people they follow or have messaged before.

Additionally, only a teen's friends can view and reply to their stories. Tags, mentions and comments will also be limited to people they follow or their friends.

Teens will also receive reminders to leave social networks after using them for an hour each day. Additionally, they will enter "Quiet Mode" overnight.

As for Instagram's new restrictions, teens under 16 will not be allowed to live stream on the platform unless their parents give them permission. In addition, teenagers under 16 need to get parental permission to turn off suspected nudity in the app’s blurry DMs.

The changes announced Tuesday are part of Meta's ongoing efforts to address social media-related mental health issues among teens. These concerns have been raised by the U.S. Surgeon General and several states, some of which have even begun restricting teenagers' use of social media without parental consent.

Meta shared some insights into how teen accounts are performing on Instagram, with the company saying it has moved 54 million teens to teen accounts. Meta says there is more work to be done as the feature continues to be rolled out globally. Meta also says that 97% of 13-15 year olds keep its built-in protection features turned on.

Meta also commissioned a study from Ipsos, which found that nearly all parents surveyed (94%) said teen accounts were helpful to parents, and 85% believed teen accounts make it easier for parents to create a positive experience for their teens on Instagram.