What Is Instagram?

One more relatively recent addition to the technology world that brings people together from all corners of the world is Instagram. This app for devices such as iPads and smart phones has taken the photography and social media world by storm. Users can download this free program, create an account, and use it to take and modify pictures through various filters. These pictures are then by default available for anyone in the world to see, with additional options to upload the pictures to other social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.  Many parents are under the false impression that it is completely safe for their young kids to use.

How Is Instagram Used To Bully?

Instagram appeals to the nature of tweens and teens and their seemingly constant drive for self-expression as they try to maneuver their independence. Even though laws regulate that users who sign up for Instagram accounts be 13 years of age or older, there is no verification of age when downloading the app. The exposure that these kids have with Instagram can be overwhelming, and even lead to bullying.  In fact, I decided to write the article because one of my friends called to tell me that her 10-year-old daughter was being tormented by another 10-year-old girl using Instagram.

• Instagram is another social media site, and is one that opens kids up to potential bullying.
• Users can create fake accounts that are directed at bullying – making entire albums of photos that are embarrassing to someone.
• Accounts on Instagram are by default set to post pictures to a public forum, meaning they are viewable and searchable by anyone, anywhere.
• Viewers of the photos can leave comments on the pictures. This is where most of the bullying occurs, with hurtful, discriminatory, and harassing comments left for the photographer and/or people in the picture.
• There is also a geo location feature, allowing the pictures on Instagram to be tagged for geographical locations. This means your child’s picture might not only be hit with rude comments, but the person who took and posted your child’s picture can disclose where your child was at the moment, leaving him or her even more vulnerable.
• Even though there are laws and rules against it, sometimes harassing and sexually explicit photos do get uploaded through Instagram.
• Screenshots of text messages can be taken and easily shared.  For example, a girl can text mean things about a classmate and then take a screenshot of the text.
• Parents of preteens who feel that Instagram is a safe alternative to Facebook and other social media sites need to be aware of these risks.

How Can I Protect My Child Against Bullying On Instagram?

Just like with many other social media applications and sites, much of the protection parents can provide for their children begins with the basics of Internet and technology safety.

• Monitor the applications and sites your kids are using.
• Have access to your kids’ IDs and passwords.
• Talk with your kids about respectful and safe online behaviors.

When it comes to Instagram, parents can help keep their kids a bit more safe from the public exposure that this application can give them.

• Make sure that your child is ready for Instagram. Even if your child meets the age requirements (13 years, minimum), that does not mean that your child possesses the maturity to use Instagram appropriately. If you question your child’s readiness, don’t allow Instagram to be downloaded.
• Be certain that the privacy settings on Instagram are changed from the default of public so that your children’s photos can only be viewed by friends and followers.
  • Go to your child’s profile page.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and find the switch labeled “Photos are private.”
  • Change the setting to “Photos are private” and turn ON the privacy setting switch.
  • Talk with your kids about the followers they approve on Instagram. These should only be people they know in “real life” – keep checking back with them to make sure they are following these guidelines.
  • Make sure your kids know they shouldn’t geotag photos and give away their locations. Geotagging is by default OFF on Instagram, but it is easy to inadvertently tap the tag feature, so show your kids how to tap it again to turn it off.
  • Block and report Instagram users who are sharing inappropriate pictures or making rude and bullying comments. Go to the profile page of the offender and tap the button in the top right corner of the screen, then tap “block user” or “report user” (upon which you’ll be given options for why this user is being reported).

Resources

http://infospace.ischool.syr.edu/2011/12/15/what-is-instagram-and-why-is-it-so-popular/

http://www.businessinsider.com/instagram-2010-11

http://childrenonline.org/newsletters/Sept12.pdf

AUTHOR OVERVIEW

Lisa Shaw Senior Director, Child Online Safety and Protection at SpectorSoft

What do five kids ranging in age from kindergarten to high school, a Harvard MBA and years of protecting kids online get you? It gets you Lisa Shaw, COO of her very busy household, and a Senior Director at SpectorSoft, the number one leader in monitoring and protecting your kids online. She's an expert on the technology and trends that you need to arm yourself with to be the best parent you can be in today’s digital world.

Tags: cyberbullying, instagram, online bullying, social media, teens and social networking