As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your teen’s safety online. Instagram’s recent update is a response to those concerns, designed to give you more control over your child’s social media experience. In a world where teens spend a significant amount of time on social platforms, these changes aim to protect them from harmful content and interactions.
“The risks of social media for young people are real,” says U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. “As parents, we need to take proactive steps to safeguard our children.” With this update, Instagram is making strides, but it’s essential for parents to be engaged and informed.
All teen accounts will automatically default to private. This means that your teen must approve new follower requests, ensuring that only trusted friends can see their posts. “This is a game changer,” says Dr. Sarah Jones, a child psychologist. “Privacy is crucial for protecting teens from unwanted attention.”
Teens will only be able to receive direct messages from users they follow or who follow them back, reducing the risk of unsolicited messages. However, they can still send messages to others, which could lead to potential risks. “Parents need to be aware of who their kids are communicating with,” emphasizes Murthy.
Instagram has ramped up its content filters, blocking exposure to sensitive topics such as violence and cosmetic procedures. The anti-bullying features will screen for offensive language, providing a safer online environment.
To help manage screen time, your teen will receive notifications if they use the app for over an hour. A “sleep mode” feature will mute notifications from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., promoting healthier habits. But remember, they can still access Instagram during this time if they choose. “This gives parents a chance to instill discipline around screen time,” notes Dr. Jones.
To activate these features, you’ll need to guide your teen through setting up family supervision. Here’s a step-by-step process:
A: Yes, they can disable these restrictions without needing parental permission. However, kids under 16 will require your consent to do so.
A: You must create an Instagram account to supervise your teen effectively, as both parties need to opt into the supervision features.
A: Yes, all under-18 accounts in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia will transition to the new settings automatically, with changes for existing accounts completed by mid-November.
By actively engaging with these new Instagram features and following these tips, you can better protect your teen from the risks of social media and help them navigate their online world safely.