Instagram operator Meta Platforms has implemented new safety features for teenagers who use the platform in Japan. The so-called Teen Accounts setting, which enforces a range of restrictions, is already in place in some other countries.

The change means that accounts belonging to users aged 13 to 17 will automatically become private.

Under the new setting, Instagram will also filter out offensive words in an effort to prevent bullying, and encourage teenagers to limit their use to an hour per day.

Users under 16 need parental approval to manually adjust the new restrictions.

Parents can see who their children are interacting with, and specify times when their children are not allowed to use the app.

The move comes amid a rise in cases of harassment and abuse across social media platforms.

Meta rolled out Teen Accounts in the US and Britain, among other countries, last September.

It plans to introduce a similar system to its other social media platforms.