With its eye-catching visuals and entertaining challenges, Instagram is often seen as a more “wholesome” social media platform for adolescents. Unlike Snapchat’s fleeting messages, Instagram showcases everything publicly. Other platforms like Facebook are perceived as outdated, while Twitter can be a hostile environment. YouTube? Sometimes it’s just plain odd. In contrast, Instagram seems like a safer haven.
Boasting hashtags like #ManCrushMonday and #WomanCrushWednesday, it attracts real users, leading many to believe the content is more benign. Plus, Instagram is heavily regulated; it has only recently permitted images of breastfeeding. As a parent, it might seem like the best choice for your child’s first social media experience. However, that assumption could be misleading.
As an adult who utilizes social media extensively for work, I find Instagram to be a refreshing escape from the chaos of Facebook and Twitter. I’ve carefully crafted a feed that brings joy, making it my online sanctuary. Nonetheless, the experience is vastly different for teenagers.
According to a recent report by Common Sense Media titled Social Media, Social Life: Teens Reveal Their Experiences, teens shared insights about their social media usage. One 15-year-old participant noted, “Instagram doesn’t care how you use their app; they just care if they’re getting used.” This statement rings true when examining alarming hashtags like #anathinspo, which glorifies anorexia, or #selfharm, which harbors disturbing content. Even Instagram itself acknowledges the potential harm through warnings displayed before such images.
Did you know that your child could stumble upon explicit material on Instagram? Just one unfortunate hashtag could lead them down a rabbit hole of inappropriate content, including nudity. Despite strict guidelines against such material, users often upload everything from personal nudes to reposted explicit videos. Unfortunately, there’s no way to block this type of content on the platform, as Instagram lacks an adult content filter.
In addition to these risks, bullying is rampant on Instagram. A survey conducted by Ditch the Label, an anti-bullying charity, revealed that nearly half of the 10,000 young people aged 12 to 20 in the UK reported being bullied on the platform. “Finsta” accounts (fake profiles) exacerbate this issue, allowing users to interact anonymously, sometimes even impersonating classmates to spread harmful messages. These actions can have devastating effects on young individuals, who often don’t grasp the full extent of the consequences.
While it’s tough to resist when your kids insist “everyone else has it,” making informed choices is essential for their safety and well-being. As a parent, the responsibility lies with you. If you decide to allow your young teen to have an Instagram account, consider the following steps to promote their safety:
- Discuss the potential dangers of Instagram openly. It’s better they learn about these issues from you rather than discovering them on their own.
- Talk about what constitutes appropriate content and behavior on the platform.
- Explain the real-world implications of engaging in harmful behaviors and ensure they understand that online actions can impact their offline lives.
- Regularly review their phone, paying attention to who they interact with on Instagram.
- Be prepared to revoke their Instagram access if they don’t follow the rules you establish.
Navigating adolescence is complex enough without the added pressure of social media. Consider delaying your child’s entry into the world of Instagram until they are older and better equipped to handle both peer influence and the platform’s challenges. By the time they’re ready, Instagram will still be there, allowing them to enjoy its beauty while sidestepping the negativity.
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In summary, while Instagram may seem like a harmless platform for your tween or teen, it’s essential to consider the potential risks associated with its use. Open communication and vigilance are key to ensuring a safer online experience for your children.