Meta has announced several major changes for underage users of Instagram and Facebook. The new rules focus on reducing screen time, restricting app usage at night, and providing parents with better monitoring tools. Key measures include a two-hour daily usage limit for children and new safety features for Feeds and Reels. App usage will also be automatically blocked during nighttime hours.

**Instagram and Facebook to be restricted at night**
Meta is introducing an automatic "night mode" for underage users. Under this feature, access to Feeds, Stories, Reels, and the Explore page will be automatically blocked between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Additionally, in "standard mode," notifications can be muted by default between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. However, essential notifications regarding account security and direct messages will continue to be delivered.

**Monitoring screen time**
The new features include continuous reminders to help users reduce their screen time. The first alert will appear after 15 minutes of uninterrupted browsing. Subsequent alerts will appear when total daily screen time reaches 60 and 90 minutes, encouraging users to cut back on usage. Meta has also provided an option to disable video autoplay; instead of the next video playing automatically, users will have to manually swipe or tap to view it.

**Using AI for child safety**
Like and reaction counts on accounts belonging to minors will be hidden by default. Meta also announced the use of AI models designed to identify and remove accounts belonging to children under the age of 13. Meanwhile, users aged 13 to 17 will be provided with a specially tailored, safer experience. These changes follow an agreement worth approximately $18 billion between Meta and the Attorneys General of 52 states, territories, and Washington D.C.