Welcome to “Tween Tech,” where we dive into the social media apps our kids are using today. This series uncovers how tweens and teens engage with these platforms, offers insights for parents on monitoring usage, and highlights potential risks. In this edition, we explore Instagram and Vine—two popular photo-and-video-sharing apps.
What Are They?
Instagram, a well-loved app owned by Facebook, allows users to share photos and videos. Vine, which is owned by Twitter, is designed for sharing short video clips.
Why Are They So Popular?
Kids are drawn to Instagram (or “Insta,” as they like to call it) and Vine for the same reasons adults are: they’re free, fun, and provide a creative outlet for self-expression. The ability to add filters and effects makes sharing photos and videos even more appealing. Plus, who doesn’t love the thrill of getting likes, comments, and followers?
Why Should Parents Pay Attention?
Many parents who restrict their tweens from using Facebook may view Insta and Vine as safer alternatives. While this can be true with supervision, many parents are unaware of the potential pitfalls these apps present, such as cyberbullying, location tagging, and exposure to inappropriate content.
How Many Kids Are Using Them?
According to the Pew Research Center, 52% of teens aged 13-17 use Instagram, while 24% are on Vine. Though tweens may be using these apps as well, it’s challenging to track underage usage since registration requires users to be 13 or older.
How Are Kids Using These Apps?
From pictures of pets and food to countless selfies, kids are sharing a bit of everything. One parent was surprised to find her 12-year-old was posting class schedules on Instagram! The app’s versatility makes it a vibrant social hub, rivaling Facebook.
How Can Parents Keep an Eye on It?
If your child under 13 has an iPhone or a Wi-Fi-enabled device, you can link their account to yours using Family Sharing in iTunes. This way, they’ll need your approval to download any apps, which is a fantastic way to keep them off Instagram or Vine if you choose.
If you decide to let them join, encourage them to set their account to “private.” Discuss what personal information they can share and ensure location services are turned off. It’s also wise to follow them and regularly check their posts and comments.
Why You Can Breathe a Little Easier
If your kid keeps their account private, and you’re monitoring their activity, Instagram can be relatively safe for older tweens and teens. However, Vine presents additional challenges—its content may be more mature, as reflected in its 17+ rating compared to Instagram’s 12+.
Why Should Parents Be Concerned?
Both platforms can expose kids to bullying—whether it’s overt negative comments or the subtler pain of being excluded from a social event. The pursuit of followers and likes can also add pressure.
In addition, both apps contain questionable content. On Vine, this content is often more accessible, and even if you don’t allow your child to download the app, they might still see those videos through links from friends. It’s smart to monitor who is following your child and who they’re following back, ensuring they’re not sharing location data in their posts, either automatically or via hashtags.
Both apps also feature direct messaging options, which can lead to unwanted private messages from non-approved users—a crucial aspect for parents to be aware of.
Ultimately, Insta and Vine can be fun avenues for creativity and connection. However, it’s essential to maintain an open dialogue with your tween about acceptable online behavior and to stay informed about their activities.
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Summary
Instagram and Vine are popular social media platforms among tweens and teens, allowing them to share their lives through photos and videos. While they can serve as creative outlets, parents must remain vigilant about potential risks like cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. Monitoring usage and maintaining open communication about online behavior is key to ensuring a safer experience.