Teen Accounts will automatically be given to Instagram users who are under 16. You will need parental permission to change any built-in protection features.
Unfortunately, social media has become a way of life and therefore, no matter what you do, you can’t avoid teenagers being part of it. However, the internet isn’t always the kindest place, and where we can, we should protect younger users.
Instagram has received a lot of backlash in previous years, along with their social media competition. It’s been found bullying goes on within the platforms and people have argued there isn’t enough being done to stop it.
Bullying can have horrific impacts on the lives of young people. They are trying to discover who they are and where their place is in the world, and are being met with negativity and heartache. While social platforms can’t control what is said, they can do more.
They’re able to put measures in place to prevent the types of accounts younger users have access to. Likewise, they can control speech by limiting words that are allowed on their platform. It’s the responsibility of these giant companies to keep users safe.
After all, you wouldn’t send your child to school if you felt it was unsafe, and therefore, sending them into the big world of online should be no different. Yes, children are sneaky, but Instagram may have found a way to protect them somewhat.
Instagram Teen Accounts
Any account holder under 16 will be automatically given a teen account. This will limit the content they see, as well as the contacts they have access to. There will be limited ways teenagers can explore their interests.
If teenagers want these restrictions removing, they’ll need to have consent from a parent or guardian. It’s a good idea because the onus is then on the parent rather than the platform, who doesn’t know each child individually.
Instagram have even added a feature just for teens. It’s a topic feature, which will allow users to select topics they love and want to see. These topics are harmless hobbies and interests, such as; basketball, cats, computer science, podcasts and so many more.
All teen accounts will automatically be made private. Again, if they want a public account, they’ll need to ask their parents or guardian. Any teen under 16 currently on the app will have this implemented, just as those signing up also will.
If you’re under 18 and sign up to Instagram from now on, you’ll be placed under a teen account. However, if you already have an account, yours will only change if you’re under 16. Teens will also have timing prompts. Reminding them to leave the app after an hour.
Sleep mode is enabled from 10pm until 7am, and notifications will be muted between these hours. Sensitive content such as surgical procedures, fighting or conforming to certain standards will be hidden on younger accounts.
Instagram are working hard to reduce the amount of bullying and comparisons made online, and these measures being put in place are important. Hopefully more platforms will make these steps because the overall concept of Instagram hasn’t been affected.
