Inside Instagram Teen Accounts: Helpful Tips for Parents
Instagram has become a major part of teen life, serving as both a creative outlet and a social hub. From sharing art and fashion inspiration to connecting with friends across the globe, the platform offers countless opportunities for self-expression.
Data shows that roughly 61% of teens ages 13-17 use Instagram—with 50% saying they use it daily, and about 12% saying they use it “almost constantly.” (Pew Research Center, July 10, 2025). There’s no doubt that teens are flocking to this social platform, but like any digital space, it comes with its own set of challenges—including its contribution to self-esteem issues, addictive scrolling, and exposure to harmful content.
After facing public criticism and parental concerns about Instagram’s impact on youth mental health, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, launched Instagram “teen accounts” in 2024. These accounts aimed to help keep teens safe on Instagram by limiting unwanted contact, showing age-appropriate content, and helping teens manage their time on the social channel. These accounts are reserved for teens ages 13-17, and all pre-existing accounts for teens have been automatically updated with these safety features. However, even with these new safety measures in place, Instagram can still be a double-edged sword for young adults, potentially monopolizing hours of their time and contributing to comparison culture and body image issues.
Here are a few ways parents and caregivers can support healthy Instagram use for their teens:
Account Setup
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Help your teen set up their Instagram account, discussing the importance of privacy options. Messages and follow requests should only be accepted from people they know in real life.
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Check that the “Teen Account” protections are active (auto-private, restricted messaging, content filters).
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Consider connecting through Instagram’s Family Center, which allows parental oversight while respecting privacy.
Open Communication
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Ask what your teen likes about Instagram — not just how much they use it.
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Talk about online comparison and body image; remind them that most posts are filtered highlights, not everyday life.
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Make social media check-ins part of regular conversation, not a punishment or interrogation.
Monitoring & Boundaries
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Set screen-time limits together instead of enforcing them unilaterally.
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Periodically discuss who your teen follows and why.
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Encourage use of “Close Friends” for private sharing.
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Know the signs of trouble, like withdrawal, irritability, obsessing over likes, or hiding screens.
Modeling Healthy Use
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Be mindful of your own posting and scrolling habits — kids learn from example.
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Take digital breaks or “digital detox days,” where no one in the family uses a smartphone or device for a full 24 hours.
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Praise creative or positive online engagement instead of just limiting screen time.
The bottom line: Instagram can be an empowering digital playground for teens—a space for creativity, connection, and even learning. The key is intentional use, honest communication, and awareness from both sides. And above all else, make sure your teens are engaging in healthy daily activities outside of social media.
