Islamabad — The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with Meta, has officially launched Instagram’s “Teen Accounts”, a new safety feature aimed at protecting users under the age of 16 from harmful content and unwanted interactions online.
The feature automatically places teenagers into a restricted account setting, limiting exposure to sensitive material and controlling who can contact them, while still allowing safe and creative digital exploration.
According to the PTA, this initiative underscores its proactive engagement with global digital platforms to promote child safety, digital literacy, and responsible online behavior in Pakistan. It comes in response to growing concerns over online harassment, cyberbullying, stalking, and exploitation, particularly affecting young girls.
“The launch of Teen Accounts marks a major step toward protecting Pakistan’s youth online,” said PTA Chairman Maj. Gen. Hafeez ur Rehman, highlighting the regulator’s commitment to building a safer digital ecosystem.
At the launch event, Meta, along with UNICEF/NCRC and other key child protection stakeholders, conducted awareness sessions and live demonstrations on safety tools, reporting mechanisms, and best practices for digital well-being.
Dr. Priyanka Bhalla, Head of Safety Policy for South Asia at Meta, emphasized that the company’s global safety programs empower millions of teenagers to enjoy a secure and age-appropriate online experience, adding that the partnership with PTA reinforces Meta’s commitment to youth protection and responsible platform use.
With the rollout of Teen Accounts, Pakistan joins a growing list of countries implementing advanced online safety standards designed to protect minors in the digital space while promoting healthy and informed engagement.
