3 new Instagram safety tips for parents
Instagram is one of the most popular social networks among teens. They are taking a few steps to keep its platform safe for its one billion users. Here are few new Instagram safety tips for parents :
1.About this account
This new feature allows users to determine the authenticity of an account by knowing more about the account details. When using this feature you can find out when the account was created, the country the user is from, history of the account’s username, and ads the account is running. The feature will be available some time in September and its only available for accounts with large number of followers.
To view “About this account”:
- Go to the user’s profile
- click on Menu (3 red dots) on the account profile
- click on “About this account”.
2. Two factor verification
The next safety feature is two factor verification which will increase safety when login into Instagram. You can opt for the two factor verification method either by getting a text message sent to your mobile phone or get a code sent to an authentication app. You will need to install an authentication app if you choose to get a code sent to you. Instagram will automatically detect any authentication app you have on your mobile phone. If you do not have one it will direct you to App Store or Google Play Store to install it.
To access two factor verification :
- Go to your profile
- Click on Settings
- Two factor verification
3. Verification Request Form
Accounts with large number of followers can apply for a blue badge which will indicate that the account is authentic to the owner and not a fake account. This tend to be used by celebrities, politicians, and social media influencers or anyone with a large followers. Talk to your children to look out for the blue badge to ensure that they are following the ‘real’ person and not a fake account. If your child is a social media influencer on Instagram then they can submit a form to get the blue badge.
To access the form:
- Click on your profile
- Select Menu
- Select setting
- Scroll to the bottom and click on request verification.
Keeping children safe on social media
It is a good sign that tech giants are taking extra precautions in keeping users on its platform safe. But as parents whose children are on social media do remember that no matter what layer of security there is on a network there might still be risks, such as identity theft, cyberbullying and many more. Majority of social media platforms are for 16 years old and older. Instagram and Facebook are removing underage children from their platform.
I have seen many websites that promotes signing screen contracts to protect children online. While this can help establish screen rules it does not solve the bigger problem of online safety. Talk to your children constantly about the things they read and see online. This will help you understand their social media use.
Don’t forget there are certain simple steps you can take to protect your children online.
Read this if you are worried that your kids might be addicted to their smartphone
Also keep yourself up to date with the latest online trends so you can guide your children and understand the world they are growing up in. Join the Eparenting community to learn from other parents.
