Instagram

Reviewed By: Ryan

Instagram tries to control inappropriate content, but it is an enormous task. Control over the content seems to ebb and flow— sometimes inappropriate content is easier to access. Instagram has a reporting function and ways for inappropriate content to be identified and removed, but as with anything, people find ways around the controls.

If youth have not been exposed to sexualized content, drugs, and mental health topics, there is a high probability for them to be exposed after they create an Instagram profile. Instagram could easily be a gateway platform for youth to learn about these topics and view people who are pro drug use and anti drug use for example. They will be able to see individuals wanting to support those with mental health struggles and they will learn about individuals who are struggling with self-harm, depression and suicidal thoughts. 

Discuss help-seeking strategies with your youth, such as what to do to if they see someone posting about mental health issues, depression, self-harm, or suicide. Teach them to use the reporting functions built into Instagram and keep an open line of communication with parents. 

There is a high level of sexual content available as well. You should be prepared for your kids to see this content as it’s easy to stumble upon and kids are curious about sex at that age. If you chose to let your child(ren) use Instagram, talk to themabout not posting sexual or provocative content. Teach them that self-esteem is based upon the content of their character, not the appearance of their body. 

Be aware of “Finstas” (Fake Instagram Accounts) as well. Youth will sometimes have a well-curated appropriate account that you know of but will also make a Finsta account that you will not be aware of. More questionable behaviors tend to occur on this Finsta account. They may even have several Finsta accounts. Youth also may have a “spam” account where they post less curated pictures of themselves or their life. 

I do not recommend Instagram from anyone under 17 years old. However, many youth already have access to Instagram. Here are some of my tips for responsible use.

Safety Tips

My #1 recommendation: If you are going to let your child have an Instagram account, you should have an account as well so that you can effectively educate them on how to use it responsibly. You should follow them and they should follow you. 

• Do not use full names as usernames, and do not put your full name in your bio. 
• Set the account to private.
• Only accept followers of people they know in person.
• Remove any unknown followers that they currently have.
• Do not post personal information such as driver's licenses, school IDs, state IDs, phone numbers, birth certificates, school schedules, and/or other identifying information.
• Turn off location services.
• Do not respond to Direct Messages from people they don’t know.
• Use the reporting system when they see inappropriate content. 
• Talk to a parent if they see a concerning post from a friend (mental health, bullying, inappropriate posts, etc).
• Report bullying both through Instagram's reporting function and a parent.
• Save screenshots of bullying behaviors.
• Block bullies.
• Stick with the age restrictions.
• Explain that even though an account is private, privacy isn’t guaranteed. Once a post is shared it is totally out of the users’ control.
• Remind your youth that a digital reputation begins the moment an account is opened. What they post now could affect them later in life.
• Outline your expectations for using technology and Instagram with a Technology Contract. 

Reviews by Katie K

Instagram is used by teens in a variety of positive ways. People my age use the app to share pictures of family and friends, write about their experiences traveling, and even promote their own businesses. It is a fun, creative outlet for those who know how to use it safely. Common misuses of the app include using it to post hateful comments to other users, for flaunting unsafe or scandalous behaviors, and most notably as an excuse to procrastinate doing homework. 

As a general rule of thumb, I personally would not recommend creating an Instagram to anyone under the age of thirteen. If you are debating on letting your son or daughter download Instagram, I highly suggest you make sure that they are emotionally mature enough to handle the situations that they may encounter while using this app. If someone leaves a rude or hateful comment on their page, if they come across accounts that post inappropriate content, or if an unknown user contacts them through direct messaging, how would they respond?

For parents who are uneasy about letting their children on social media, I would recommend being logged into your child’s account on your own cell phone. That way, they have the freedom to use the app, but you have the ability to monitor their online activity and hopefully influence them to be conscious of what they type and post. Also make sure to set limits for the amount of time your child spends on the app. It is common for people to aimlessly scroll through the app and neglect other obligations.

If I could suggest one thing to kids who are new to Instagram, it would be to remember that the number of likes and comments you get on your posts do not define who you are as a person, the content of your posts and captions can be utilized by anyone who sees it to make judgements about your character. Be mindful of what you post.

About Katie K

Katie first began using social media in fifth grade when she made an Instagram account the same year that the app launched. Since then, she has witnessed the app transform into what it is today and has experienced the good and bad that have come along with it. Katie has always practiced safe social media habits and is now sharing her experiences to help younger users understand the importance of protecting themselves online.