GREENSBORO, N.C. — Social media has become a big part of our lives. There's been concern about the impact of social media on children's emotional health. Instagram recently released Teen Instagram to help combat some of these issues. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of the app.
The pros of the new Instagram Teen app are that it's for users aged 13-17, which ensures that content is age-appropriate. The app automatically filters out inappropriate posts, ads, and interactions that aren't suitable. The app also has enhanced privacy settings where accounts are automatically set to private, limiting who can contact or follow them. And there are stricter limits on adults trying to interact with minors. There are also new parental controls where mom and dad can monitor kids' activities, manage screen time, and see who their kids are interacting with.
However, there are cons as well. Some parents might have a sense of false security where they think the app will be able to block out everything negative, which isn’t true. Additionally, the app won't be able to completely get rid of the risk of cyberbullying. The app might be able to catch some, but not all. There could still be self-esteem issues as teens watch other teens' highlight reels which tend to include body images as well as what other teens are doing and what they have.
Parents can protect their teens' self-esteem by having open conversations about the difference between online highlight reels and reality, modeling healthy self-esteem, and encouraging offline activities that build confidence and friends. Creating a positive home environment where teens feel valued for their individuality reinforces their self-worth. Parents should also help teens focus on personal growth and meaningful goals rather than external validation.
Share your thoughts on my Facebook page: Blanca Cobb – Body Language Expert. Write a message on my timeline, and I'll get back to you. While you're on my page, I'd appreciate it if you give my page a "like."