Quick question: Which is your favourite social media app, and why is it Instagram?!
Quick question: Which is your favourite social media app, and why is it Instagram?!
When we did the “KSP Digital Usage Survey Of The Indian Moms” survey, Instagram came out as the clear winner when asked what is your favourite app to use, as a parent. And no prizes for guessing, Instagram remains the favourite app for our teens today as well.
Between enjoying the platform together, and collaboratively, using it to build communities, make connections etc, there exists some concerns in every parent’s mind, like:
📱 If their teen is following the right people. If their followers are genuine.
📱If they spend too much time on the app, especially during exam days
📱If their focus takes a hit, due to incessantly checking their phone
If the content they view is suitable for their age.
And lots more.
Instagram has rolled out Teen Accounts—a set of privacy settings and parental controls designed to protect teens from unwanted interactions, inappropriate content, and excessive screen time. Read all about it here.
Tell Me More About The Teen Accounts Feature:
Instagram has launched “Teen Accounts,” automatically setting all accounts of users under 18 to private, with stricter settings. These updates limit who can contact them and control the content they see in Reels and the Explore tab.
Teens aged 16-18 can opt out of these privacy settings unless supervised by a parent. Those under 16 need parental permission to make any changes.
Instagram has launched “Teen Accounts,” automatically setting all accounts of users under 18 to private, with stricter settings. These updates limit who can contact them and control the content they see in Reels and the Explore tab.
Teens aged 16-18 can opt out of these privacy settings unless supervised by a parent. Those under 16 need parental permission to make any changes. Instagram has launched a series of new features in addition to the earlier launched Parental Supervision Tools.
1. Private Accounts by Default
One of the biggest updates is that all accounts for teens under 16 will automatically be set to private, even if they were previously public. This means that only approved followers can view and interact with their content. The new teen account settings apply to all teens under 16 (both new and existing Instagram users) and to teens under 18 when they newly sign up for Instagram.
2. Restricted Messaging & Interactions
To protect teens from unwanted contact:
- Messages can only be received from accounts they follow or have previously interacted with.
- Tags and mentions are restricted to people they follow, reducing exposure to strangers.
- Instagram automatically hides potentially offensive comments and message requests through Hidden Words settings.
3. Stricter Age Verification
Instagram is making sure teens access age-appropriate content by requiring age verification. If there is any doubt about a user’s age, Instagram will ask for proof, ensuring safer online experiences for younger users.
4. Content Restrictions for Teens
To create a safer browsing experience:
- Sensitive content is automatically filtered so that teen accounts only see content suited to their age.
- Ads shown to teen users are age-appropriate and exclude sensitive topics.
5. Screen Time & Sleep Mode
Managing screen time is crucial for teen well-being. Instagram now includes:
- Daily time limits, which remind teens to take breaks after spending 60 minutes on Instagram or Threads.
- Sleep Mode, activated between 10 PM and 7 AM, which mutes notifications and sends auto-replies to DMs.
Teens under 16 will need their parent’s permission to use less protective settings. To get permission, teens will need to set up parental supervision on Instagram. If parents want more oversight over their older teen’s (16+) experiences, they simply have to turn on parental supervision. Then, they can approve any changes to these settings, irrespective of their teen’s age.
The 3 New Tools Earlier Launched By Meta:
Quiet Mode:
To help and support today’s teens focus on the tasks at hand and not give in to distractions. Comes in handy when they need to give their 100% focus on what they are doing, especially during exam times.
Daily Limit:
A time-management tool that lets the user know they have reached their daily limit. Comes in super handy during exam times.
Take A Break:
Helps teens (and parents) reflect and reassess their time spent on the app, with a timely reminder. Helps them reassess their priorities and to-dos.
Instagram’s recent addition to their existing Parental Supervision Tools has made sure the platform is listening to parents’ concerns and doing its bit to keep our teens safe. Here is a throwback to the Parental Supervision Tools we told you earlier about:
Here’s A Look At The Parental Supervision Tools Launched Earlier On Instagram
1.” Where Did All The Time Go?”
Are you worried your child spends a large chunk of their time scrolling and “liking” other’s content? With the new Parental Supervision Tools, you can view how much time your teens spend on Instagram and set time limits.
2. Be The One Who Knows It First When They Are In Trouble
Today’s generation of teens is smart to identify if there is trouble brewing in their interactions online. With the new tools, be notified immediately when your teen shares that they have reported someone/some account. They seek your guidance and comfort- so be prepared to give them that.
3. Follows & Followers- Are They All Genuine?
For some, the number of followers matters a lot. It’s kind of a make-or-break deal and gives them a feeling of one-upmanship among their peers. But are numbers everything? What about the quality of people you/your child gets in touch with? The new tool thankfully lets you view and receive updates on what accounts your teens follow and the accounts that follow your teens.
That’s not all! There are a host of other things and privacy settings options that we are unfamiliar with sometimes. Just make sure you enable these features on your child’s account and also brief them on why it is imperative they stay safe, amidst the unfamiliar virtual world that has its plusses and minuses.
We also did a webinar on earlier with Mansi Zaveri, CEO & Founder– Kidsstoppress.com moderating a panel discussion that included Actor Karisma Kapoor, Natasha Jog, Head- Public Policy, Instagram India, and Shakshi Shetty, Gen Z Creator & Gamer. They spoke on the different tools available, how the platform is open to the concerns that parents, as well as teens, have today, and how we could collaboratively use the platform to empower today’s teens.
✅ Save this and share it with a parent of a teenager who will find it useful. .
Janani S Koushik
Mansi Zaveri
Dr Paula Goel
Mansi Zaveri
Mansi Zaveri
Janani S Koushik
