Collaboration is the key to ending online exploitation

Helping teens safely navigate the internet is one of the toughest challenges facing parents today. As a parent myself, I understand the anxieties this journey can bring.

I still remember my child’s face light up as he video-called his grandparents from a tablet for the first time. Like many parents, I wanted to make sure I got the device settings and restrictions right.

I have also seen the genuine good that comes from my digital life — whether it’s connecting with family members or finding supportive communities like a “Neighbors Helping Each Other” Facebook group I’m part of.

So if my journey as a parent has taught me one thing so far, it’s this: striking a balance between safety and opportunity will help my kids grow and succeed.

As head of Meta’s safety policy work in North America, this dual reality drives my commitment to creating safer online experiences. That’s why I am so troubled by the mischaracterizations and flawed interpretations of the work we do. Every day, my team and I look for more ways to strengthen our enforcement systems, root out potential predators, and prevent harm before it happens.

We are also committed to providing parents with helpful tools and resources that make things simpler and easier for them and their families. One of our most significant advancements is Teen Accounts, which come with built-in protections to limit who can contact teens and the content they see — all designed to give parents peace of mind. Teens under 18 are automatically placed into them, and those under 16 need a parent’s permission to make their settings less strict.

With these accounts, teens can........

© The Hill