Tech Sense for Parents : Should You Allow Instagram?

As a parent and parenting coach, I know  that many parents feel that children’s access to social media  feels out of control. Instagram seems innocent enough, and yet it’s social media and not for children under 13.Even for teens it’s questionable; they lack the judgment to know what’s right and wrong when it comes to posting comments and pictures. What seems cute or funny
to them is not always appropriate or acceptable to others. How many times have
we seen adults publically apologizing for making off color comments online?

Allowing your child or teenager access to Instagram or other social media apps before they have the maturity to handle it makes them more vulnerable than they
already are. Here’s what you need to know:

Instagram is social media and, like Facebook, it is meant to be restricted to users ages 13 and older with parental guidance.

• Photos uploaded on Instagram can, by default, be viewed by anyone, anywhere.
• Sharing the photo location is also an option, which allows followers to know your child’s location.
• Instagram can be and has been used for cyber bullying.
• When your child uses Instagram (or any social media), add privacy restrictions, follow his account, and learn how he portrays himself by reading his posts and viewing his pictures.
• Remind him often that his posts can't be taken back once out there in the world. Messages remain and can make a lasting impression.
• Keep ahead of him regarding social media;learn about the social media he is asking to access. Even if you don’t intend to allow it, learn about it and the risks associated with it.
• Tweens and teens can’t get enough of Instagram because it excites their creativity when they share cool pictures, they feel connected to celebrities’ posts, and it provides them with a sense of worldwide community.

 ABC news reported that some colleges review applicants’ social media pages to learn about them. Parents need to be knowledgeable, informed and have a strong
position on their child’s use of social media. They need to advocate for their
child’s emotional and physical safety from the time they first ask about social
media until they are independent adults.

Confident, aware parents can decide when and how their
children will access social media. In addition to the already stated concerns,
psychologists have a growing concerns that people are developing an over reliance on being connected at all times, and may even experience “withdrawal” when they’re not “connected”. Parents need to be cautious about unknowingly promoting this habit in their children.

Dr.Kate Roberts is a psychologist and parent coach. Her unique coaching
practice  emphasizes  state of the art, targeted strategies that
help parents, help their children. Her coaching model helps guide parents
through the maze of technology and manage the unexpected glitches of today’s
ultra crazed, fast paced everyday life. For more information go to  www.drkateroberts.com, https://twitter.com/DrKateParenting,  www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-KateRoberts