Instagram is one of the most popular apps among teens, but it can be a dangerous tool for some. This guide, originally featured on Common Sense Media, explains how parents can help kids use the app responsibly and safely.
The guide focuses on three key areas for parents to consider: comments, privacy, and time spent. It also includes tips on how to talk about the app with children, and how to set boundaries around it.
Use Hashtags
Hashtags help people search and find content that interests them. They can also connect your Instagram account to like-minded audiences in a meaningful way.
For instance, let’s say you’re a dog lover and you want to get in front of more people who share your passion. You could add hashtags like #doglovers, #dogsofinstagram, and/or #instadogs to your posts.
However, it’s crucial to choose the right hashtags. The wrong ones can make your post or Reel miss out on valuable exposure, and you might end up with irrelevant followers.
Take a Break
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms for teens. They use it to connect with friends and family, but it can also become a source of anxiety and depression when they spend too much time on the app.
That’s why Instagram is now rolling out a feature that will remind users to take a break from the platform when they’ve been scrolling for a set amount of time.
This new tool expands on the company’s existing time management tools, like Daily Limit. It will let you choose the interval at which you want to receive reminders to log off of Instagram.
Be Active
Instagram is one of the most popular social media sites. Many tweens and teens start using it without telling their parents, but with some guidance and limits around use, it can be an ideal way for kids to connect with friends and be creative.
When a kid starts using Instagram, it’s important to sit down with them and go through the app and its settings together. You can talk about cyberbullying, online stranger danger, and safe sharing practices to lay the groundwork for a healthy experience.
Be Creative
Your posts on Instagram should be eye-catching and capture the attention of your audience. They should also communicate a message, tell a story, or inspire a feeling that helps them understand what you do and why they should follow you.
You can get creative with your photos and videos by mixing up the lighting, using different filters, or adding text overlays to create unique content. You can also use hashtags and gifs to give your posts a more engaging and cohesive look.
Use Filters
Filters are a great way to make your Instagram posts and stories more interesting. They can boost contrast, inject vintage flavor, and more.
In fact, using filters can help you get more likes on your post. That can increase your chances of making money on Instagram.
There are thousands of filters available on the app, and some are more popular than others. Fortunately, it’s not too hard to find the perfect filter for your next post.
Share
Instagram recently rolled out a new feature to share other people’s posts in your stories. This allows you to re-share interesting photos you see in your feed with friends who aren’t connected to the original creator.
To share photos, tap the photo or video you want to share and then select a sharing option. There are a few options, including email and copy links.
There are also disappearing messages, a Snapchat-like feature that lets you send timed photo or video messages that recipients can only view once before they vanish. Talk to your child about these features and how they can be used safely, especially when they’re first starting out.
