Local reaction to Instagram’s new policy to protect kids online

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Locals across Yuma County are sharing their reaction to Instagram's new policy to protect kids online.

In an announcement Tuesday, Instagram says their teen users will only see content on the app similar to what they might see while watching a movie with a PG-13 rating.

They say site will hide or limit more mature and sensitive content for those under 18, such as swear words, risky stunts and accounts that routinely post adult content, and says every teen would automatically be opted in.

Meta states that they will use new age-detection technology to determine a teen's age and automatically restrict content, even if they claim to be adults.

Several locals in Yuma shared their reaction on this new system.

"Kids nowadays have access to a lot of things that I believe they shouldn't," Says Lelly Esparaza, a local parent who shares her concerns for the safety of minors on the platform, "I have minor kids so, a lot of times they do see or get messages or content that they shouldn’t. And us, well, me, as a parent, I try to be on it, but a lot of times, it's tough to keep up."

AWC student Dylan Potratz talked about why he is in favor of this new policy.

"I do think that Instagram can be a very dangerous place at times, you know? I mean, especially if you look at Instagram comment sections and whatnot," said Potratz, who later explained that he wishes restrictions like this existed around the time that he was growing up. "I would say so. I feel like I started using Instagram around high school, but I was aware of it in middle school. I learned a lot of things online from Instagram."

Since Tuesday, October 14, this new update has been gradually going out in the U.S. and other countries, and is expected to be fully rolled out by the end of this year.