Meta adds parental controls to Threads amid regulatory pressure

The new suite of tools allows adults to track daily usage, set hard time limits, and schedule downtime for teen accounts. These limits span multiple devices, ensuring that total activity is accounted for regardless of whether a teen logs in via phone or laptop. Beyond time management, the update grants parents control over tagging permissions and the ability to lock privacy settings for users under 16, preventing teens from weakening default safety configurations.

Meta’s decision to tighten oversight on the platform follows years of intense criticism from lawmakers regarding the impact of social media on minors. With lawsuits currently pending against major tech firms concerning child safety, the company is standardizing its protective measures across its ecosystem. While these tools debut in the U.S. next week, a global release is scheduled to follow by the end of the year.