Instagram It is the social network that is growing the most among teenagers. Although it was born as a social network focused on photography, it has evolved towards a much more social format in which users share snapshots of their daily lives, they have the possibility to contact others and thanks to the new functionality of "Your story" publish stories that followers can see for 24 hours.
There comes a time when our children ask us to create a profile in this social network. While Instagram requires that its users have at least 14 years To create an account, and so does the Spanish legislation for the use of social networks, there are many children under that age who use them. No less than 72% of users aged 11 to 14 with a smartphone access social networks from their terminal. If you are going to allow your children to have an Instagram account, there are some rules of use that you should know to protect them.
Tips to make safe use of Instagram
Before your child starts using this social network, it is important that you agree certain standards, you can even write and sign them on both sides to avoid future misunderstandings. Here are some:
Keep the profile private
Unlike a public account, having a private profile the user is the one who authorizes his followers or not. Under your supervision, it is a way to keep track of people who follow your child and avoid visits from strangers. This is very easily configured from profile editing.
Only accept acquaintances
The previous functionality allows to maintain greater account privacy, limiting the number of followers only to acquaintances. One of the biggest attractions for young users is to get a large number of followers, but with the consequent risk that many of them are unknown.
Think about it before uploading a photo
Especially if we talk about children and teenagers, it is important to teach them to think very well before uploading an inappropriate photo. Each family will impose the rules they consider on their children such as not uploading photos in underwear or swimsuit, not uploading photos without the approval of those that appear on it, etc.
Eye with those who share their photos and videos
Unfortunately, social networks are nowadays one of the main routes of bullying among minors. Put on a photo or video in the wrong hands can have serious consequences. And even if they do not share it, there are applications with which you can download the photos of a profile (which is not private).
Anyone can copy it and paste it somewhere else. Teach them to be responsible for the content they share with others, even if they are known.
Free access for parents
If your child asks you to open a profile on Instagram, the first thing they should be clear about is that you, the parents, you can access the account at all times.
From your own account you can see what is published, but you cannot access, for example, direct messages or all the photos in which it has been tagged.
How to block users
It is important that you know the functionality on how to block users in case someone is bothering you Or decide that you no longer want to have that person among your followers.
Do not show location
Instagram allows you to specify the location where a photo or video has been taken. Prevent them from doing so, or at least do not upload the photo from that place at that time, do it later from a different place.
It is also not convenient to reveal private information in the profile such as which school you go to, in which club you practice sports or your travel or vacation plans.
Notify any contact at the moment
At the moment in which a stranger establishes contact, the child should immediately communicate it to the parents, and depending on the situation, they will make the appropriate decisions. There is always the possibility of block it and report the user To the social network.
To expand these, Instagram has published in its "Help" its own safety tips for parents that you can consult in this link.
Photos | iStock and Pixabay
In Babies and more | The 15 things you should know about social networks before letting your children use them
