Facebook unveils new controls for children using its platforms

California-based Facebook is also planning to introduce new controls for adults of teenagers on an optional basis so that parents or guardians can supervise what their youngsters are doing online.

Facebook announced it was pausing work on its Instagram For Kids project last month. Picture: Richard Drew/AP

Facebook has said it will be introducing several features including prompting teenagers to take a break using its photo-sharing app Instagram, and “nudging” teens if they are repeatedly looking at the same content that is not conducive to their well-being.

News of the controls came in the aftermath of recent damning testimony that the company’s platforms harm children.