Big Changes To Instagram: Will They Save Your Teen?

Meta is putting Instagram users under the age of 18 into new “teen accounts” to allow parents greater control over their activities, including the ability to block children from viewing the app at night.

The change will apply to new teen users but will also be extended to existing accounts held by teenagers over the next few months.

Changes under the teen account setting include giving parents the ability to set daily time limits for using the app, block teens from using Instagram at certain times, see the accounts their child is exchanging messages with and being shown the content categories they are viewing.

Teenagers signing up to Instagram are already placed by default into the strictest privacy settings, which include barring adults from messaging teens who don’t follow them and muting notifications at night.

However, under the new “teen account” feature users under the age of 16 will need parental permission to change those settings, while 16- and 17-year-olds defaulted into the new features will be able to change them independently.

Once an under-16 tries to change their settings, the parental supervision features will allow adults to set new time limits, block access at night and view who their child is exchanging messages with.

The new account setting will apply to users in the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

For the?the people who’ve been trying to encourage such changes, the issue isn’t always that Instagram or other social media is intrinsically bad, but that kids spend too much time in this highly competitive world. The changes today mean that parents will now have the ability to limit how much time their children spend on the app, and if they so choose, they can block their kids from using it.

No doubt one of the new features children will hate is the one that allows parents to see all the private messages their children are sending on Instagram, while they’ll also be privy to the content categories their kids have been looking at.

The accounts will also be set to private, while there will be strict control on what kinds of content will become available for the young user. These conditions apply to kids under 16. Older teens will be able to turn these features off.

Not sure how you feel about Nick Clegg but as Meta’s president of global affairs, said the aim of the change was to “shift the balance in favour of parents” when it came to using parental controls.

Last week Clegg admitted that parents did not use the child safety controls offered by Mark Zuckerberg’s company, which also owns Facebook and WhatsApp.

So, what does that mean exactly and will it have a positive impact on teens using social media?

Parents can take the following steps to ensure their children are transitioned into these accounts:

Update Instagram App:

Ensure the Instagram app is up-to-date on your child’s device, as the latest features are typically included in updates.

Activate Parental Controls:

Use the Family Center on Instagram, which allows parents to set limits on screen time, monitor activity, and manage privacy settings.

Check for Notifications:

Meta may send notifications to accounts eligible for the new teen account setting. Encourage your child to accept the transition or do it together.

Review Privacy Settings:

Go into the account’s settings and make sure privacy features, such as limiting interactions with unknown users, are enabled.

Manage Content:

Take advantage of Instagram’s content filters for sensitive content and other parental control features, ensuring safer browsing experiences for your teen.

By enabling these features, parents can help maintain a safer digital environment for their children.

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, called the changes “a step in the right direction” but said platforms will have to do “far more to protect their users, especially children” when the Online Safety Act starts coming into force early next year.

While Meta’s “teen account” and parental controls offer important safety features, they may not be enough on their own.

Here are additional steps you should consider for more comprehensive protection:

Ongoing Conversations:

Regularly talk with your teen about the risks of social media, such as cyberbullying, online predators, and the impact of social comparison. Open communication is essential to help them navigate these challenges.

Monitoring & Engagement:

Use monitoring apps or built-in tools to track activity while respecting privacy. Encourage your teen to share their online experiences with you.

Set Boundaries:

Establish clear rules about screen time, types of content, and online behavior. Discuss the consequences of breaking these rules, making sure they understand the reasoning behind them.

Media Literacy:

Help your teen develop critical thinking skills to assess what they see online, understand how algorithms work, and recognize manipulative content (e.g., misinformation or FOMO).

Model Behaviour:

Set an example with your own social media use. Teens are more likely to adopt healthy habits if they see their parents practicing them.

Third-Party Tools:

Consider using third-party apps that provide more robust parental control features, such as blocking specific content, geofencing, or additional privacy settings.

Meta’s teen accounts are a good starting point, but parental involvement and ongoing dialogue are key to keeping your teens safe and fostering responsible social media use.

Here’s an excellent Podcast for Parents Worried About Social Media?

Follow Scrolling 2 Death across your social media and Nicki Reisberg

https://www.scrolling2death.com

Replacing the word “Ban” with “Age Restriction” in discussions about smartphones is a GAME CHANGER??

Words hold power. The way we talk about a concept shapes how we think, feel, and react to it. This is particularly true when it comes to public policy or societal rules.

The difference between calling something a “ban” versus an “age restriction” may seem subtle, but the impact is profound.

Here’s why changing the language we use—especially in the context of smartphones for kids—can lead to a big difference in how both individuals and society respond.

1. Language Shapes Perception

The word “ban” implies a harsh, uncompromising prohibition. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that something is dangerous or forbidden without room for nuance.

When people hear the word “ban,” they tend to view it as an extreme measure, which can trigger resistance or rebellion.

On the other hand, “age restriction” conveys a more balanced, thoughtful approach. It implies that the activity is permissible but with certain limitations based on maturity, which feels fairer and more logical to many.

2. Promotes Understanding Over Fear

A “ban” can instill fear, as it tends to focus on punishment rather than understanding.

This can create a backlash, where people—especially kids and teens—may be more inclined to break the rules just to defy authority.

Age restrictions, however, promote a learning curve. They suggest that certain things, like smartphones, aren’t inherently bad but should be introduced responsibly over time. This encourages a more thoughtful, educational conversation rather than a fear-based one.

3. Encourages Cooperation Instead of Defiance

When a rule feels too restrictive, especially in the case of a ban, it often leads to defiance.

Teens, for instance, may go out of their way to use smartphones behind their parents’ backs if they feel entirely prohibited from them.

By framing the regulation as an age restriction, it promotes the idea that eventually, they will gain access once they’re ready.

This approach fosters cooperation and an understanding of responsibility rather than a fight for independence.

4. Supports a Growth Mindset

Language that suggests a ban implies that some things are permanently off-limits, which can feel absolute and discouraging.

Age restrictions, however, align with a growth mindset—the idea that we evolve, mature, and earn privileges over time.

By positioning smartphone use within an age-restricted framework, it sends the message that young people can grow into that responsibility, which encourages personal development rather than frustration.

5. Builds Trust and Responsibility

An age restriction builds a pathway to trust between parents, kids, and society.

It’s a conversation starter about when and how to responsibly engage with technology.

In contrast, a ban might suggest that parents don’t trust their children to make smart choices.

Language that focuses on restrictions tied to maturity signals trust that kids will eventually be capable of handling the responsibility, fostering a more open dialogue about safe and appropriate use.

6. More Flexibility, Less Rigidity

The word “ban” suggests a fixed, unchanging stance. It doesn’t allow for nuance or flexibility. “Age restriction,” however, opens the door to flexible policies that can evolve as research, society, and technology change.

It suggests a more thoughtful, adaptable approach that can be adjusted based on the individual or family needs, as opposed to a rigid, one-size-fits-all solution.

Language that Enables Progress

The language we use can shape attitudes, behaviours, and outcomes.

Replacing the word “ban” with “age restriction” in discussions about smartphone use is more than a semantic shift—it’s a move toward fostering responsible, thoughtful use of technology.

It encourages cooperation, supports personal growth, and leads to better, more sustainable solutions for navigating the challenges of raising kids in a digital world.

If you are interested in the difference that a few changes in the words you use can make - check out my article and explore my Digital Jungle Scripts to help you with what to say!

Why “Safety Settings” Is Better Than “Parental Controls” for Discussing Online Boundaries with Children

In today’s digital age, where children are increasingly engaged with technology, setting boundaries and ensuring their safety online has become a priority for parents.

Traditionally, the term “parental controls” has been used to describe the tools and features that help parents monitor and restrict their children’s online activities.

However, a shift toward using the phrase “safety settings” instead of “parental controls” can foster a healthier, more cooperative approach to digital safety.

It’s a game changer ??

Here’s why:

1. Promotes a Positive Mindset

The term “parental controls” often carries a connotation of authority and restriction.

It can evoke feelings of limitation or mistrust in children, leading them to view these measures as something imposed upon them without their input.

On the other hand, “safety settings” frames the conversation in a more positive light. It emphasises the protective aspect rather than control, helping children understand that these measures are in place to ensure their well-being, not just to limit their freedom.

2. Encourages Collaborative Conversations

Using the term “safety settings” can open the door to more open and collaborative discussions between parents and children.

Instead of feeling that their parents are dictating what they can and cannot do, children are more likely to engage in conversations about why certain settings are necessary.

This collaboration fosters mutual understanding and trust, making children more receptive to the idea of online safety.

3. Empowers Children with a Sense of Responsibility

When children hear the term “safety settings,” it can instill a sense of responsibility in them. It shifts the focus from what they are not allowed to do, to what they can do to stay safe.

This subtle change in language encourages children to take an active role in their own digital safety, making them more likely to adhere to these settings voluntarily.

By viewing these tools as part of their own safety toolkit, children can feel more empowered and in control of their online experiences.

4. Aligns with Digital Literacy Education

As digital literacy becomes a crucial part of education, the language used to discuss online safety should align with the broader goals of teaching children how to navigate the internet responsibly. “Safety settings” is a term that fits naturally into conversations about digital citizenship and online ethics.

It integrates seamlessly with the idea that children should learn not just to follow rules, but to understand the reasons behind them and the consequences of their online actions.

5. Reduces Resistance and Encourages Compliance

Children, especially as they grow older, may resist the idea of “parental controls” as they seek more independence.

By using the term “safety settings,” parents can reduce the likelihood of this resistance. The term is less likely to trigger a defensive response because it doesn’t imply that parents are controlling their children’s online behaviour, but rather that they are working together to keep the online environment safe.

This subtle change in language can lead to greater compliance and cooperation from children.

6. Reflects Modern Parenting Approaches

Modern parenting increasingly values collaboration, understanding, and shared responsibility. The shift from “parental controls” to “safety settings” reflects this evolution in parenting styles.

It acknowledges that children are active participants in their own lives, even in the digital space, and that they have a role to play in ensuring their own safety.

This approach aligns with the values of respect and partnership that are central to many contemporary parenting philosophies.

Conclusion

The language we use as parents can significantly impact how our children perceive and respond to the rules and guidelines we set for them. By opting for “safety settings” instead of “parental controls,” parents can foster a more positive, collaborative, and empowering environment for discussing online safety. This shift not only encourages children to take responsibility for their own digital well-being but also strengthens the trust and communication between parents and children, paving the way for healthier online experiences.

Click here for Scripts to Start Those Important Conversations

Game On, Chat Off: Protecting Kids from In-Game Dangers. Including Digital Jungle Scripts.

The Dangers of In-Game Chat for Parents

In-game chat features have become a staple in many video games, allowing players to communicate with each other in real time. While this can enhance the gaming experience by fostering teamwork and building communities, it also poses several dangers, particularly for younger players. Parents need to be aware of these risks to protect their children from potential harm.

Did you know that Fortnite has a proximity feature?

• What it is:?A new feature in Fortnite that allows players to hear and speak to others nearby?
• How to use it:?Players can enable proximity chat in the game?

Fortnite also has other chat features, including:?

• Voice chat:?Players can use a microphone to talk to others in the game?
• Text chat:?Players can chat with others using on-screen text?
• Party Channel:?Players in the same party can connect using this channel?
• Game Channel:?Players can use this channel in the game

1. Exposure to Inappropriate Language and Content

• Risk: In-game chat often happens in real-time, with little to no moderation. This means children can be exposed to offensive language, bullying, and inappropriate conversations, including discussions about violence, drugs, or sexual content.
• Impact: Exposure to such content can be distressing for children and may lead to anxiety, fear, or the normalization of inappropriate behavior.

2. Online Predators

• Risk: In-game chat can be a gateway for predators to approach children. These individuals may pretend to be peers, using the anonymity of the internet to gain a child’s trust and manipulate them into sharing personal information or engaging in harmful behavior.
• Impact: Children may unknowingly put themselves in danger by sharing personal details or arranging to meet someone they’ve only interacted with online.

3. Cyberbullying

• Risk: The competitive nature of gaming, combined with the anonymity of in-game chat, can lead to cyberbullying. Children may be targeted by others for their performance, appearance, or simply because they are newcomers to a game.
• Impact: Cyberbullying can have serious emotional consequences, leading to low self-esteem, depression, or even withdrawal from social activities.

4. Sharing of Personal Information

• Risk: In the heat of the moment, children might share personal information, such as their real name, age, location, or even school details, without realizing the potential consequences.
• Impact: This information can be used by malicious individuals for identity theft, stalking, or other forms of exploitation.

5. Addiction and Mental Health Issues

• Risk: The social aspect of in-game chat can make games more addictive, leading children to spend excessive amounts of time online. This can result in neglect of homework, sleep, and real-life social interactions.
• Impact: Prolonged exposure to online interactions can lead to anxiety, depression, and a distorted sense of reality, as well as academic and social difficulties.

Scripts for Talking to Children About In-Game Chat

Communicating the risks of in-game chat to children requires a tailored approach based on their age and level of understanding.

Here’s how parents can address these concerns with children of different ages:

For Young Children (Ages 5-7)

• Script: “Sometimes, when you play games, other people can talk to you in the game. But not everyone is nice or says good things. If someone says something that makes you feel sad or scared, or if they ask you for your name or where you live, you should stop playing and come tell me. Remember, it’s okay to have fun, but you should always be careful when talking to people you don’t know.”

For Tweens (Ages 8-12)

• Script: “In-game chat can be fun because you get to talk to other players, but you need to be careful. Not everyone online is who they say they are, and some people might say things that are mean or inappropriate. If someone is rude, asks you personal questions, or makes you uncomfortable, you should block them and tell me right away. Also, never share personal information like your real name, address, or school—it’s important to keep those things private.”

For Teenagers (Ages 13-18)

• Script: “I know you enjoy playing games and chatting with other players, but it’s important to stay safe. Online, people can easily hide who they really are, and some might try to take advantage of that. Be smart about what you share—never give out personal details, and if a conversation ever feels off, trust your instincts and back out. Cyberbullying and predators are real dangers, so if you ever experience anything uncomfortable or see something happen to someone else, come talk to me. Your safety is more important than anything happening in a game.”

Conclusion

In-game chat can enhance the gaming experience but comes with significant risks that parents need to monitor closely. By having open, age-appropriate discussions with your children, parents can help them understand these dangers and navigate the online gaming world safely. Educating children about the potential risks and empowering them to make safe choices is key to ensuring their online well-being.

Smartphone bans in schools: Where is it happening and why?

Multiple states in the US and several European countries are taking steps to the curb the use of cell phones in schools

Across the world, the back-to-school story this year is all about one thing – students and their smartphones.?

If one side were to have its way, the sight of students with eyes glued to their smartphone screens may soon become a thing of the past.

With the start of the new academic year, schools around the world, particularly in the US and several European countries, are taking steps to restrict students’ use of phones, while some are going for all-out bans.

There is, as expected, a raging debate about whether the pros of such a decision outweigh the cons, but the changes are still being made and students are coming back to a new reality at their schools.??

Where are smartphones being banned?

In the US, the push started in the state of Florida, where a law was passed last year requiring public schools to stop students from using devices like cell phones and headphones during class hours.

This year, at least eight states have followed suit with new laws, orders, or rules aimed at curbing the use of phones during classes or the entire school day, according to a recent report by The New York Times.

The states are Louisiana, Indiana, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, Minnesota and Ohio.

Others that could move down the same path are California and New York, where the respective governors have indicated plans to engage with state lawmakers for legislation on the issue.

Across the pond in Europe, Hungary’s new academic session started in September with stricter restrictions and students not allowed to use phones in classrooms.

Under a new law passed by the government, schools have to take away phones and other devices in the morning that are returned at the end of the school day.

In Belgium, the use of smartphones for students in primary and secondary schools in its French-speaking regions and the capital Brussels has been prohibited in the new academic year.

The ban covers over 370 French-language schools and around 132,600 students, with local media reporting that authorities in Belgium’s Flemish-speaking parts are also expected to impose similar curbs.

In neighboring France, mobile phones and other devices have been banned in nurseries and primary schools since 2018.

The country is now testing a pilot ban on mobile phones in 200 schools in the new academic year. Education Minister Nicole Belloubet said the move is aimed at preventing personal use of phones and does not rule out use for academic purposes.

If the trial goes well, she said, there could be a nationwide ban by January next year.

Italy, meanwhile, has banned mobile phones and devices like tablets in classrooms.

The restriction applies to students in kindergarten, primary, and lower secondary schools, and also bars the use of these devices for teaching purposes.

Since 2007, Italy has already had an existing ban on using devices for non-academic purposes, but it has not always been enforced.

In the Netherlands, primary and secondary students can no longer bring smartphones, tablets, or even smartwatches to school.

The ban was enacted for secondary school classrooms in January and came into effect for the primary level in September.

In Greece, starting this month, students are required to keep their phones inside their bags during the entire school day.

In the UK, schools were given new guidance back in February to stop the use of cell phones during the school day to “minimize disruption and improve behavior in classrooms.”

In a statement at the time, the Department of Education said many schools had already banned phones and the change would ensure a consistent approach.

Spain banned phones in primary schools in January and has now asked secondary schools to limit their use for educational purposes only.

In August, Finland’s National Agency for Education recommended restricting the use of phones in schools to just during break periods, while its Education Ministry is reportedly working on legislation for tighter curbs.

Ireland’s Education Minister Norma Foley also announced plans in August to bar mobile phones in all secondary schools, saying a wider ban was necessary to build on existing restrictions such as students being made to place phones in lockers for the day.

There are no official bans in Poland, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Portugal, and Croatia, but schools have the choice to take individual measures, which many have done.

Similar steps have been taken to curb the use of phones in schools in countries such as Nigeria, Brazil, Cambodia, Egypt, South Korea, and New Zealand, according to Manos Antoninis, director of UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report.??

Should smartphones be banned?

Speaking to Anadolu, Antoninis said there has been a noticeable “surge of activities, initiatives, policies, and decisions to ban the use of mobile phones in schools in all over the world.”

“This reflects clearly a concern that exists among teachers, among parents, and as a result among policymakers, and there’s anxiety over how to address the challenges,” he said.

Peter Macaulay, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Derby, acknowledged the complexities of the debate over banning phones but said he supports the idea.

“Limiting smartphone use in schools will reduce distractions, facilitating an environment to promote teaching and learning,” he told Anadolu.

He said children are more likely to engage with peers face-to-face, fostering stronger social skills and communication.

“The absence of smartphones in the classroom will help combat issues like cyberbullying, as children will have reduced accessibility to engage in or be victims of harmful online behaviour,” he said.

Read more here

Navigating the Digital Jungle is not easy but these people are all part of the jigsaw of keeping children and teens safe and keeping parents informed.

Parven Kaur is the founder of Kids N Clicks, where she shares the latest online news and trends for parents and teachers in bite-size videos.

Paul Raffile Sextortion expert and Meta whistleblower. Paul is an intelligence professional with a focus on security risk analysis, investigations, and project management. He has developed strategic and tactical products for private sector, law enforcement, and military clients and currently develops security operations centers and fusion centers for Fortune 500 and global corporations.

Clare Daly CIPP/E Solicitor l Child Safety Online l Data Protection l Board of Directors of online safety charity CyberSafeKids

Gerardo Zú?iga Hernández Founder of KidsNetGuard Learning Cyber Safety with Fun

Angeline Corvaglia creator of Data Girl and Friends

Navigating the Digital Jungle With Sue Atkins and Friends

EP 10: Keeping Children with SEND from Getting ‘Lost in the Digital Jungle’

In this episode of ‘Navigating the Digital Jungle,’ Sue Atkins is joined by Angeline Corvaglia Corvaglia and Tara Jones as they delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by digital technology for children with additional or special needs.

We discuss the impact of social media on mental health, particularly for children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), offering tips on managing screen time and fostering positive online interactions.

The episode features insights from the Internet Matters report and includes practical advice on parental controls and establishing clear boundaries.

Special guest Beth Mosley MBE, provides expert commentary on child and adolescent mental health in the digital age, while emphasising the importance of balanced tech use, parental involvement, and open communication.

Links to articles and websites mentioned:

As we gear up for Season 2, I’m looking for sponsors to partner with us and help extend our reach. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor and would like to see our media kit, that’s bursting with opportunities, please get in touch, or if you would like to be a guest, just drop me a DM.

I’d love to discuss how we can collaborate and work together to make a difference for families around the world who are finding it difficult to navigate the digital jungle. Together, I know we can continue to make a meaningful impact and support families in navigating their digital journeys with confidence and resilience.

?? Balancing tech & family life ??

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Until next time - stay safe, have fun and enjoy the adventure !