In this edition of our “Tween Tech” series, we delve into the social media platforms that many children are using today. We explore how tweens and teens engage with these platforms, how parents can oversee their activity, and the potential risks involved. This post focuses on Instagram and Vine, two widely-used apps for sharing photos and videos.
Understanding the Apps
Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, is a well-liked application that enables users to share images and videos. Vine, affiliated with Twitter, allows users to post short video clips.
Why Kids Love It
Instagram (often referred to as “Insta”) and Vine captivate young users for reasons similar to adults: they offer an accessible, enjoyable way to express oneself through visuals. The ability to enhance images with filters adds an extra layer of creativity. Many kids also seek the affirmation that comes from accumulating followers, likes, and comments.
The Importance of Awareness
While some parents restrict their tweens from using Facebook, they often view Instagram and Vine as safer alternatives. Although this can be true with proper monitoring, many parents remain unaware of the significant issues these apps can present, such as cyberbullying, location tagging, and exposure to inappropriate material.
Usage Statistics
According to the Pew Research Center, 52% of teens aged 13 to 17 use Instagram, while 24% have engaged with Vine. Although tweens are believed to use these platforms, the age limit of 13 for registration makes it difficult to track underage usage.
How Children Utilize These Apps
Kids share a variety of content, from images of their pets and favorite foods to countless selfies. One parent noted that her 12-year-old was even posting class schedules on Instagram. The platform, in particular, has evolved into a social network comparable to Facebook.
Monitoring Their Activity
If your child under 13 has an iPhone or a Wi-Fi-enabled device, you can link their account to yours using the Family Sharing settings in iTunes. This way, they will need your approval to download apps, making it easier to manage their access to Instagram or Vine. If you choose to allow them to have an account, ensure they set it to “private,” discuss what personal information they can share, and advise them to disable location services. Regularly check in on their activity and the interactions they have with their followers.
Reasons to Feel More at Ease
If your child maintains a private account and you actively follow them, it’s generally safe for mature tweens and teens to use Instagram. However, Vine may present additional challenges, as it has been rated 17+ due to more mature content.
Concerns to Consider
Both platforms leave users susceptible to bullying, whether through harsh comments or the emotional impact of seeing posts from which they are excluded. The pursuit of popularity—more followers and likes—can also be troubling. Additionally, inappropriate content is prevalent, especially on Vine, where it’s easier to access without an account. Even if you prevent your child from downloading the app, they may still encounter Vine videos shared by peers.
It’s crucial to monitor who follows your child and whom they follow, ensuring they don’t post location information. Unfortunately, both apps include direct messaging features, which can lead to unsolicited messages from non-approved followers.
In summary, Instagram and Vine can be fun and creative spaces for kids, but it’s vital to maintain open discussions about acceptable online behavior and stay engaged with their activities. For additional insights into topics like home insemination, check out this informative piece on our other blog, and you may find great resources at Make a Mom.
Summary
In our exploration of Instagram and Vine, we learned that while these platforms provide avenues for self-expression for tweens and teens, they also pose risks such as bullying and exposure to inappropriate content. Parents can manage their children’s usage by monitoring accounts and encouraging private settings. Open communication is key to navigating these social media apps safely.