10 Instagram Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know

Hello parents! Do you monitor your kids’ phone usage? Do you look out for their social media activities? If not, it’s time to start. Even though Instagram offers plenty of opportunities for creativity, it comes with a fair share of risks. From cyberbullying to privacy concerns, teenagers often face issues if not properly guided. As a parent, it’s essential to stay informed and proactive about your child’s Instagram use to ensure their safety so they positive experience online.

In this guide, we’ll explore 10 practical tips every parent should know to help protect their kids on Instagram.

1. Instagram’s Privacy Settings

The first step to keeping your child safe on Instagram is getting familiar with the platform’s privacy settings. Instagram allows users over 13 to join the platform and before that you shouldn’t allow your kid to access these platforms. Even though they join at 13 their accounts should be set as private for safety. By keeping your child’s account private, you reduce the risk of strangers gaining access to their information and photos.

To check and adjust these settings:

• Go to your child’s profile
• Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner
• Tap “Settings” and “Privacy”
• Toggle the “Private Account” option to turn it on.

2. Make them Understand the Value in Authenticity

Needless to say, the number of likes and friends seems to have a tremendously negative effect on young people. Some kids may feel pressure to accumulate more likes and followers to keep up with peers or influencers. While it’s true that children can sometimes misuse service sites for boosting engagement, views from Stormlikes stand out as a genuine option. Still, it is important to have conversations with your child about the value of genuine interactions and building authentic connections online rather than comments and likes.

3. Monitor Your Child’s Followers

Regularly review your child’s followers. Instagram encourages people to follow others and build online communities, but it’s crucial to make sure your child is only engaging with people they know in real life or trust online. Encourage your child to avoid accepting follow requests from strangers, and periodically check their follower list to ensure there are no suspicious or unknown accounts. Talk with them about the danger of online predators and misuse of platforms. Explain to them why it is important to be cautious about who can see their posts and interact with them.

4. Teach Your Child About Cyberbullying

Mean comments, hurtful messages, or being excluded from group chats can all take a toll on your child’s mental health. Monitor your child and recognize the signs before any major event takes place. Teach your child to talk about cyberbullying, whether it’s happening to them or someone else, and encourage them to report or block users who are being unkind or abusive.

Instagram has built-in tools to help users manage their experience. Your child can block, restrict, or mute accounts they don’t want to interact with, which can prevent negative experiences.

5. Set Time Limits and Encourage Digital Balance

Instagram is fun and can be addictive for kids. The platform’s algorithms curate content based on users’ preferences, leading to endless scrolling that can easily make them lose track of time. Use Instagram’s features like “Your Activity,” where you can track how much time they spend on the app and set daily reminders to take breaks. There are many in-built apps in your phones to monitor their screen-time. Encourage your child to engage in other activities outside of social media, playing with friends, exercising, or picking up new hobbies.

6. Content Moderation

Instagram is home to millions of photos and videos, and while the platform does its best to moderate content, inappropriate material can still slip through the cracks. Have an open conversation with your child about what kind of content they should avoid and what is appropriate to post and share. Set clear boundaries regarding what is acceptable to post publicly and what should be kept private.

7. Encourage Thoughtful Posting

Many teens don’t fully understand the outcomes of their actions. Even if they delete a photo or story, someone could have already taken a screenshot. Encourage your child to think before they post. Remind them that not everything needs to be shared online and that it’s okay to keep some moments private. The more mindful they are about their content, the better control they have over their digital footprint.

8. Review Instagram’s Safety Center Together

Instagram has a strong Safety Center that covers several features and best practices for protection when using the app. Go through these resources with your child. The Instagram Safety Center also offers information on what to do when facing bullying, privacy, and interaction.

Using this resource with your child not only makes them more aware of how to protect themselves through safety features in the app but also gives them the courage to use the features in case they come across a situation that will make them uncomfortable online.

9. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Security is a top concern on Instagram, especially when it comes to protecting personal data. Enable two-factor authentication on your child’s account to add an extra layer of security. This feature requires users to enter a second form of verification—usually a code sent to their phone—when logging in, which makes it harder for hackers to access the account.

To enable two-factor authentication:

• Go to “Settings,”
• Then “Security,”
• Select “Two-Factor Authentication.”

10. Stay Involved and Encourage Open Communication

Lastly, one of the effective strategies of ensuring that your child is safe on Instagram is by keeping up with his or her online activities. This does not mean spying on them, but rather engaging them in proactive and continuous discussions about their encounters in the platform. Ensure that they are free to come to you with any issues they have.

Final Thoughts

As Instagram continues to evolve, so do the challenges and opportunities that come with it. By staying informed and maintaining open communication with your child, you can help them navigate the world of social media safely and responsibly. Instagram is fun but it’s essential to prioritize your child’s well-being and safety to protect them from potential risks.