Here are 10 ways to protect your kids on social media as Instagram rolls out new safety features, according to an expert

INSTAGRAM is rolling out a new set of safety features aimed at the youngest users and their parents, ahead of Safer Internet Day next week.

The photo-sharing app, owned by Meta, released an Instagram Guide for Parents and Caregivers today, which highlights a host of new safety features designed to help kids browse. more secure web.

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Last year, a damning report revealed that Meta was aware that the app made “body image problems worse for one in three teenage girls”.

TARA HOPKINS, Director of Public Policy at Instagram says it “wants to help parents and carers better understand the safety features available” and has also launched a ‘Rest’ campaign, which reminds people to pause scrolling through feeds their material.

Here, Tara, left, explains some of the new safety features in the guide.

REST FOR A WHILE

THIS new feature was introduced in December.

If someone has scrolled for a certain amount of time, they’ll get a pop-up asking them to take a break from Instagram and suggesting that they should set a reminder to take more breaks in the future.

HIDE ‘LIKE’ COUNTS

People on Instagram now have the option to hide the like count on posts they see in their feed, as well as on their own posts.

ADVERTISING GOAL LIMITS

Changes have been made to how advertisers can reach young people with advertising globally.

For those under the age of 18, the app will remove the option to opt-in to more personalized ads.

DEFAULT . PRIVATE ACCOUNT

People under 18 now default to a private account when they join Instagram, allowing them to control who sees or responds to their content.

For those under the age of 18 who already use the app, they will be reminded of the benefits of a personal account and will be encouraged to check the settings.

FILTER FILTER COMMENTS AND OFFICIAL MESSAGES

The app’s Hide Words feature lets you choose a predefined list – or create your own – of potentially offensive words, phrases, and emojis, and hide any consider the use of these terms.

Hidden Words also works in DM, automatically sending message requests containing these terms to a hidden folder so you never have to see them.

PREVENTION OF UNWANTED CONTACT FROM ADULTS

Adults are not allowed to send messages to people under the age of 18 who do not follow them.

The new technology, soon to be rolled out globally by Instagram, also helps identify potentially suspicious adults, such as young people who may have been blocked or reported multiple times, and prevents them from finding and interact with people under the age of 18.

CHOOSE UNDERSTANDING INTERACTIONS

People can block accounts they don’t want to hear from and pre-block new accounts a person creates.

LIMITED ONE FEMALE ACCOUNT

Restrict allows you to quietly protect your account without letting the bully know.

By limiting accounts, their comments on your posts will only be visible to them – unless you approve them – and they won’t be able to see when you’re active on Instagram or if you’ve read the message. their.

HIGHLIGHTS POSITIVE COMMENTS

You can pin a positive comment to the top of your comment thread, to help set the tone and prevent negativity.

COMMENTS WARNING

Instagram uses AI to detect when someone might be trying to post a comment that might be harmful or offensive, and show them a warning to encourage them to think again.

STILL TO WOMAN

Later this year, Instagram will launch its first set of tools for parents and carers, allowing them to view the amount of time their teens spend on Instagram and set time limits. The tools will also give teens the option to notify their parents if they report someone on the app.

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