New Tools and Resources for Parents, Released on Instagram

It is now possible for parents to set up parental control tools for all Quest headsets and use additional controls offered by Instagram, including establishing time limits and management to enhance virtual reality use positively.

Instagram is starting to spread out its supervision tools internationally, covering all communities by 2023. Let’s break this down and look at what Instagram has developed to protect teenagers and children from potentially ‘harmful’ content.

What Are the Parental Controls on Instagram?

The new IG parental control tools enable parents to set limits for their children’s time spent in virtual reality. Additional controls are also available, such as setting a daily limit and notification if the child exceeds it. Furthermore, if a teenager is messaging someone over 18, they’ll receive an age prompt before proceeding further.

Controls will ensure that minors’ and adults’ conversations are safe and appropriate. Parents can also limit direct messaging capabilities or block specified apps where necessary.

Moreover, the newly developed safety centre provides comprehensive advice and tips on how to navigate virtual reality safely. These guidelines explain online relationships, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content.

What Are the Additional Tools on Instagram?

Instagram has also introduced several other tools to keep children safe while on the platform. These include a ‘report’ button that parents can use if someone is trying to solicit inappropriate images or engaging in bullying. In addition, parents can restrict who their children follow with age restrictions and use “Child Safety Mode” for additional protection against potential risks.

The new tools have been designed with input from experts, advocates, and safety community members to ensure that they provide high levels of security for teenagers and children using Instagram. The company plans to roll out more safety features, allowing parents to monitor and moderate their children’s activity on the platform.

What Are Other Resources for Parents?

In addition to the new safety tools, Instagram has launched several other resources for parents and teens. This includes a guide written by experts which explains how teenagers can protect their privacy and how they should act responsibly when using social media.

Parents also have access to additional support teams who can answer questions about virtual reality use, online relationships, and any other issues that may arise. Support teams are available 24/7 to provide guidance and advice whenever necessary.

All of these tools are a good thing, but we all know teenagers are tech-savvy and can get around most protection tools if they set their mind to overriding safeguards, so while these guidelines are helpful, they need to be more foolproof. So, proper communication is the key to keeping teenagers safe in virtual reality and on Instagram.

Parents and teens need to have open conversations about the benefits and risks of using social media and how they can protect themselves while having fun.

Highlighting the most helpful upgrade on Instagram

The two most essential features of this new tool out are:

1. The introduction of a blocking link and Air Link to stop their teen from using their Quest headset to get content from their PC.
2. If users consistently view the same kind of content on Explore, they will notice a message urging them to change topics.

Number two is significant for teenagers who view the same type of content, particularly those subjects related to self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide, who can be prompted to carry out acts they would not normally consider.

The new tools and resources that Instagram has released are a positive step forward in protecting children and teenagers online. By helping parents better understand how to protect their kids in virtual reality, they can help ensure their children’s safety while allowing them to enjoy this exciting medium.

By implementing these new controls and providing guidance on the responsible use of social media, Instagram is taking steps toward creating a safer online environment for all users. Parents should take advantage of the tools, resources, and support teams available to ensure their children use social media responsibly and safely.

Steps Instagram Have Taken to Protect its users

Instagram has taken steps to protect its users and encourage responsible online behaviour by introducing these new parental controls and resources. But is it enough? Probably not; we won’t know the effects of overexposure to social media for a while yet.

But we know that young people, especially teenagers, are at a crucial crossroads in their development, and the influence of social media can be good and bad. According to many articles written on the subject, cases of body dysmorphia have increased tenfold.

The Body Dysmorphia Disorder Foundation (BDDF) has stated that at least 2% of the population (In the US) has body dysmorphia, and it can take up to 15 years for a sufferer to get help.

Body Dysmorphia is a growing mental health issue that affects teenagers of both genders. The jury is still out on the link between social media and BD, but most sensible people agree the ability to change your appearance via a filter cannot be healthy.

Any recommendations, advice or opinions expressed in the blog article do not reflect the views of Instagram. Please always consult with a qualified professional for information specific to your circumstances.

For support in the UK, contact Young Minds or Teen Allies and try to remember these are your children, and an over-the-shoulder policy you adopt is better than anything Instagram implements.