What parents should know about Instagram

What is Instagram?

Instagram is a social media platform optimised for smartphones that makes it very easy to take, edit and share photos and videos. Similar to Facebook, the central element is a start page - called a feed - on which images from users you follow are displayed. These feed posts can be commented on and liked. Photos and videos are permanently visible unless they are deleted or archived by users. A second popular element of the platform is stories. These are shared videos or photos that are normally deleted after 24 hours, but can also be saved permanently.

Who owns Instagram?

The platform was founded in 2010 and bought by Facebook for 1 billion dollars in 2012.

Who uses Instagram?

In Switzerland, around 2.7 million people used Instagram in 2020, of which around 800,000 were aged between 13 and 24. According to the James Study 2020, Instagram is the most used social network among Swiss young people - 93 per cent of the 12 to 19-year-olds surveyed have an account - followed by Snapchat (91 per cent) and Tiktok (74 per cent). Facebook is used by just half of young people.

From what age?

Officially, you can create an Instagram account from the age of 13. However, this age limit is not monitored. It is therefore possible for children under the age of 13 to create an account.

What needs to be considered?

Advertising and normal content are often indistinguishable. Children under 13 in particular may come across content that is unsuitable for them. Influencers enjoy a very high level of credibility, especially among young people, and sometimes do not clearly label advertising. However, Instagram is also notorious for product placement. In addition, images are often edited almost beyond recognition. Younger users, in particular, do not recognise the difference between reality and appearances.

Young people should set up a private account. This way, their posts are not public and anyone who wants to follow the account must first request and approve it. Photos and videos on a public account can be shared by other users without being asked. The function that prevents like numbers from being displayed is useful.
On Medienstark you will find tips and interactive learning modules for the competent use of digital media in everyday family life. swisscom.ch/medienstark