Is Instagram Safe For You and Your Kids? – 7 Risks You Should Be Aware Of

Instagram has evolved from a cosy little photo-sharing app into a social media giant with 2 billion active users. Back in the day, it was all about snapping a square photo, slapping on a Valencia filter, and calling it art. Now, the platform has been hijacked by stories and reels. 

Instagram has added many privacy features over the years, too. Close friends, vanish mode, and view once photos are just some of the features that make the platform somewhat privacy-focused. But at the same time, Stories and Reels are way a bit too addictive. I sometimes get a bit carried away, so I won’t judge you if you do, too. 

Now, all the privacy features still don’t take away from the fact that Meta owns Instagram. And we all know that Meta can be a bit suspicious when it comes to user data and ad targeting. And when you factor in their target audience, which is mostly teens and young adults, you have to wonder if it’s safe.

Is Instagram Safe?

Yes, like most social media platforms, Instagram is essentially safe. It offers enough privacy features, uses industry-standard practices for securing user accounts, and provides enough resources for users and parents to navigate the platform safely. 

But with all that being said, the real risks are mostly scammers. And as it is really easy to find accounts on Instagram, scammers can easily target users based on who they follow. But If you’re careful enough, you can easy avoid being scammed. 

Is Instagram Safe for Kids?

No, Instagram is not safe for kids. The platform contains explicit content, which is only increasing daily. Anyone can receive messages from strangers, including unsolicited images. And if we started talking about all the potential cyberbullying, we could really drag this out. But the point is that no social media platform is safe for kids. Common Sense Media, a non-profit website for expert age rating, recommends that Instagram users be at least 15 years old. 

However, Instagram does allow some parental control with Meta’s family center, which lets parents supervise and limit their children’s daily activities. The platform also employs “Sensitive Content Control” that filters out the unpleasantries from accounts under 17. 

How Does Sensitive Content Control Make Instagram Safer?

Sensitive Content Control is basically Instagram putting a safety net over all the chaos. It decides what goes on your feed and what stays outside. This feature limits how much “sensitive” content like suggestive posts, non-graphic violence, or shady ads for weight loss teas you see while scrolling through Explore, Search, or Reels. It’s not total censorship, but it’s about reducing the amount of content that’s… let’s say, not kid-friendly.

For teens, Instagram takes it to the next level by automatically setting the filter to See Less, which means “Let’s keep it PG”. If you’re 13-15 you need your parents permission to change this setting. 

By controlling what pops up from strangers or public accounts, Sensitive Content Control helps Instagram balance things so that teens can use the app while avoiding questionable content lurking in the shadows.

What is Instagram Family Center and How Does It Work?

Meta Family Center is like a control room for parents. With this feature parents can see what their teen is up to on Instagram and access tools and educational resources to stay safe online.

How does it work? Teens can invite their parents to supervise their account, or parents can send an invitation to start supervision. Once connected, parents can:

  • See what they’re up to: Who they follow and who follows them.
  • Track time: How much time they spend on Instagram and set daily time limits or scheduled breaks.
  • Get safety alerts: Get notified if they report something (e.g. report inappropriate content).
  • Learn together: Explore expert advice on building positive online habits in the linked education hub.

For teens, the Family Center is transparent. They can see exactly what their parents have access to.

This feature is designed in a way that parents can guide their teens while respecting their boundaries. It’s like training wheels for Instagram, so teens can use the app without going off the rails. Parents can access the Family Center in-app or on the web at Meta’s Family Center.

What Are the Main Risks of Using Instagram?

Yeah, we’ve said Instagram is “essentially” safe. But a lot can pass through. No Internet platform is safe if you’re not well aware of the potential risks. Here are some:

Inappropriate Content

Instagram tries its best to keep the platform clean, but it doesn’t always go their way. The Explore page, Reels, or even random ads can feature content that’s not kid-friendly. Think borderline explicit photos, suggestive videos, or even violent clips. While sensitive content controls help filter some of this out, it’s not foolproof.

Online Predators

Instagram is great for connecting with people, but not everyone has good intentions. Predators can use DMs, comment sections, or even fake profiles to target younger users. They often come across as friendly at first, but their real motives can be dangerous. This is why privacy settings and parental supervision are key, especially for younger audiences.

Addictive Usage

Instagram is designed to keep you hooked. The endless stream of Reels, Stories, and the dopamine rush of likes can turn into hours of mindless scrolling. For teens especially, this can lead to addiction, affecting sleep, productivity, and mental health. And let’s not even get started on the anxiety-inducing world of comparison. Perfectly filtered lives can make anyone feel “less than.”

Scammers

Instagram isn’t just for influencers and memes. But it’s also a scammer’s playground. Fake giveaways, DMs about “brand collaborations”, phishing links and even fake online stores are everywhere. One wrong click and you could lose personal info or money.

Data Privacy Issues

Instagram as part of Meta collects a lot of data about you. What you like, who you follow, how long you scroll on certain posts. While this helps personalise your experience it also raises concerns about how that data is stored and shared. Data breaches or third party misuse of your info is a valid fear in today’s digital world.

Meta’s Ad Practices

Ever search for something on Google and then find Instagram showing you ads for it the next day? That’s Meta’s hyper targeted ad practices in action. It’s convenient for discovering new products sure, but it also feels a bit… creepy. Your data fuels the ad machine and even your most private Instagram moments might be analysed to serve you the next big thing.

Misinformation

Instagram isn’t just for selfies; it’s also for conspiracy theories, fake news and misleading health advice. From miracle cures to viral hoaxes, misinformation spreads fast. With visually polished content, it’s easy to mistake a false claim for a true one. For younger users, it’s particularly hard to distinguish fact from fiction.

How to Be Safe on Instagram?

Being safe on Instagram doesn’t mean avoiding it altogether. You just need to be very smart about how you use it. 

Start With Your Privacy Settings

First off, lock down your account. Switch to a private profile so only approved followers can see your posts. Go into the privacy settings and restrict who can send you DMs or tag you in posts. And don’t forget to turn on two-factor authentication.

Think Before You Post

Don’t overshare personal info like your location or details that could identify you (hello, vacation selfies tagged with your exact hotel while you’re still there). Turn off location tagging unless it’s absolutely necessary, and think twice before posting anything you wouldn’t want a stranger to see.

Be Wary of Scams

Scammers are sneaky, so don’t fall for DMs about “collabs” or offers that seem too good to be true. Don’t click on suspicious links and never share sensitive info like passwords or payment details over Instagram.

Wrapping Up

By setting boundaries, using resourceful privacy features, and staying aware, you can make Instagram a safer space. Instagram is meant to be fun, so don’t let it stress you out.