A new website for parents describes the app's privacy and time management features.
Instagram is a popular platform for teens, who use the app to share photos and videos from their daily lives, and interact with their peers both near and far away. As reported by TechCrunch, parents can now learn more about the app, and the tools it provides to keep users safe, on a new website built for parents of teens.
The website gives parents an overview of what Instagram is (a platform for sharing and connecting with others), as well as details about some of its features and privacy options. For instance, parents can learn the difference between private and public accounts, as well as how to block comments from specific users.
The site also describes the app’s new time management features that began rolling out to users earlier this year. While these features aren’t available to everyone just yet, they’ll eventually allow users to see the average amount of time they spend on Instagram each day, as well as set reminders to limit the time they spend in the app.
If these feature sounds familiar, YouTube released a similar “Time watched” menu in August 2018, which allows users to see how much time they’ve spent watching YouTube videos, and turn on reminders to “take a break.”
In addition to being an educational tool, Instagram’s parent website provides suggested conversation starters that parents can use to chat with their teens about their Instagram habits.
The site doesn’t explain all of Instagram’s features, but by breaking down a few major tools, parents can feel better prepared when talking to their teens, and when deciding whether or not to limit their interactions and activity in the Instagram app.
If you’re looking for more tips on limiting your kids’ screen time, check out our guide.
Brandy Berthelson has been writing about video games and technology since 2006, with her work appearing on sites including AOL Games, Digital Spy, and Adweek. When she’s not gaming, Brandy enjoys crafting, baking, and traveling with her husband.
