Facebook to limit ads children see after revelations Australian alcohol companies can reach teens

Advertisers on Instagram, Facebook and Messenger will no longer be able to market to under 18s based on their interests

Facebook will impose more control on the types of ads that children as young as 13 are exposed to on Instagram and other platforms, as new research finds Australian alcohol companies are not restricting their social media content from reaching younger users.

Facebook announced on Wednesday that, starting in a few weeks, Instagram will stop advertisers marketing to teens under 18 based on their interests. Only their age, gender and location will be able to be used to target ads to them.