Everything you need to know about Instagram Privacy for Teens

Image courtesy of [Ambro] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Instagram Privacy for Teens
by Judi Gray
Blue Bird Internet Marketing & Social Media

Parents often let their children use Instagram, thinking it is a harmless way of interacting with friends and a better alternative to Facebook as an introduction to a "safe" social media network.  If you are considering letting your child use Instagram there are a few things that you need to know about before you decide whether or not Instagram and is it suitable for your child or teenager?



What is Instagram?

Instagram is a mobile phone based app for iPhone products & android systems. Instagram allows users to create a profile and share images and short videos that are taken predominantly on their phones or tablets, uploaded to Instagram, and then cropped to a square shape. Instagram provides options of editing the images with filters and borders, image rotation and brightness adjustments.  Users view a feed of images provided by those they have followed which are viewed by scrolling down to view a stream of images on a smart phone or tablet device.  


Who can use Instagram?
Instagram users need to be over the age of 13.  See Instagram full terms of use as of January 2014 here:  http://bit.ly/1kaV870


How to get started with an Instagram Profile:
Firstly you will need to download the Free Instagram App from the App store or Google Play.
You will require a username (similar also to Twitter).  I recommend children don’t use their personal name for their Instagram account, but a variant of e.g. @beclovesbutterflies @bec01beach


Instagram Privacy Settings:
I recommend choosing a “private” setting, which only allows your Instagram friends to view your profile and images.


Who can see my child’s images?
If your child’s posts are set to private, only their Instagram friends can view their images and hashtags.  Their friends will need to send them an Instagram request to be a friend on Insta and view their images, they can either choose to approve or ignore this request.


Can I block users in Instagram?
Yes you can block other users on Instagram from viewing your profile or finding you on Instagram.  When you block another user, the blocked user cannot view your child's photos/videos or search for their Instagram account. The blocked user is not notified when they are blocked.  View more about blocking users at Instagram here:  http://bit.ly/1mDZPoi

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"Image courtesy of [Ambro] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net"

What type of photos should my child be posting? 
Discouraging your child from only taking and posting selfie photos is important.  Encourage their creativity and photographic talents by pointing out things of interest and widening their view of the world around them, thus encouraging  taking images that make them think outside the square. 


How can I monitor my child’s Instagram account?
By having access to or management of their google play account or itunes account this can also avoid the temptation of downloading apps that aren’t suitable for their age as parents will need to add a password for all downloads (more on this in a later post).  As with all social media accounts for children and teenagers, it is the parents responsibility to have the log-in details for all accounts as well as being on the friends or followers list on their accounts. This way you can check easily what they are up to.  This is often a deterrent for children to post anything unsuitable.  If they are doing the right thing on social media, they shouldn’t be worried about having their parents and aunts and uncles as friends.


What are some great Instagram accounts my child may like to follow?

• National Geographic – National Geographic is the most popular account on Instagram –and why needs no explanation.  View their stunning international images at @natgeo
  

• Bella Magazine is a Positive Australian Magazine for girls and young women that is nothing like the sexualised and photoshopped magazines aimed at teens in mainstream shops.  Follow them at @bellamagazineau
  

Judi Gray
Blue Bird Internet Marketing & Social Media
www.bluebirdinternetmarketing.com