Updated – Originally published November 6, 2024
Despite its novelty having worn off years ago, Instagram is still one of the most popular social media apps available today. With a staggering two billion monthly users, Instagram’s reach is monumental.
It’s one of the most preferred apps for photo and video sharing, but its use comes with potential risks, especially for kids and teenagers. The platform has faced scrutiny over its impact on mental health, body image, and exposure to explicit photos and videos.
In response, Instagram has introduced various safety features, such as parental controls, time limits, sensitive content control, teen accounts, and options to block offensive comments.
Despite their recent release of Instagram’s Family Center and age-restricted accounts, parents are still concerned about what risks lurk on Instagram, and how they can keep kids safe.
Let’s talk about some primary concerns.
Is Instagram Safe for Kids?
Instagram presents many unique risks to young people, chief among them are body image and self-esteem challenges, invasion of privacy, and the risk of being exposed to explicit content.
Parents should talk as a family before letting a child download Instagram and be sure to establish parental controls in advance.
Instagram and Body Image
Research indicates Instagram negatively affects body image for many teens, with 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys reporting worsened self-esteem. The platform can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, making it crucial to continuously talk about body positivity at home.
What is a Fake Instagram Account, AKA “Finsta”?
“Finstas” are secret, and often private, accounts teens use to share content away from parental oversight. While Finstas often allow kids to express themselves in a silly way that only close friends can see, they might also hide risky behaviors.
Rather than respond to the discovery of a Finsta account with anger or fear, parents are encouraged to communicate openly and seek understanding before setting appropriate boundaries to navigate this aspect of social media.
Instagram Location Sharing
Instagram recently introduced a Map feature that lets users share their real-time location with friends. Once a teen opts in, Instagram automatically updates their location every time they open the app or use it in the background.
Why it’s risky: Automatic updates mean your child could be broadcasting where they are—and when—without even realizing it. This creates a digital trail that strangers or fake accounts could exploit. Even sharing with friends can have unintended consequences, like hurt feelings, exclusion, or pressure to always be “available.”
What parents can do: Review Instagram’s location settings together, turn off location sharing in the Map tab of DMs, and remind your child why it’s safer to keep their whereabouts private.
Instagram Scams
Instagram is not immune to scams which often target younger users with fake accounts promising quick earnings or exclusive deals. These scams are rampant, so kids should be educated on spotting suspicious activity, such as unrealistic offers and messages.
Instagram and Child Exploitation
Studies reveal alarming findings that Instagram’s algorithm may inadvertently facilitate child exploitation by connecting users with harmful content. Despite Meta’s actions to curb this, the risk remains significant, underscoring the need for vigilance and proactive safety measures.
In late 2024, Meta announced additional safety features to help prevent sextortion. Now, users can’t screenshot (or screen record) images or videos sent in private messages, among other changes.
Pornography on Instagram
Despite policies against explicit content, pornography is prevalent on Instagram. Kids may encounter it accidentally or through intentional searches. Parents should discuss the risks and consider age-appropriate restrictions to safeguard their children from such exposure.
Instagram is Updating its Safety Policy for Teens
Earlier this month, Meta announced that it’s updating Instagram’s safety policy for teens. According to The New York Times, Instagram “said it would begin limiting the content its teenage users can see, based on the PG-13 ratings system used by the film industry.”
Additionally, parents can implement “Limited Content,” a setting that will be even stricter “than the PG-13 rating system.”
This update also applies to Meta’s AI chatbots, which can be found in the app’s direct messages. Meta chatbots are currently under investigation by Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, according to NBC News.
Max Eulenstein, Instagram’s head of product management, told The New York Times, “Our North Star in the teen experience is parents and what they’re telling us they want for their teens, and that’s what led to this development and why we focused on the PG-13 standard.”
Interestingly, Instagram is using a very similar system as the Motion Picture Association (MPA)—the institution that assigns ratings to movies. Similar to the MPA, Instagram created “panels with thousands of parents to rate material on the app that they deemed PG-13 appropriate,” per The New York Times.
So what does this mean for parents? Hopefully, it’ll give them peace of mind–if Meta’s new content restrictions are effective. Only time will tell if teens will be able to find a workaround, but for now, we’ll have to wait till Instagram rolls its new safety policy out.
Alternatives to Social Media
While Instagram offers powerful tools for connection and expression, parents must remain aware of the potential risks. At minimum, implementing parental controls and engaging in open conversations will help families navigate Instagram’s complex landscape more safely.
However, for parents who aren’t ready to let their kids have unlimited access to social media, kid-safe devices are a great place to start. With these devices, you and your family can stay connected with peace of mind that kids aren’t downloading dangerous apps like Instagram.
What do you think? Did we miss any of the concerns you have with Instagram? Let us know in the comments below!
Author Morgan Dye
Morgan is a Gabb staff writer. She joined Gabb because she is dedicated to keeping children safe online. She loves watercolor and is an accomplished actress who can be found acting in her local theater productions.
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