Youth Online Safety and Well-Being

Lesson 3: Age-Appropriate Experiences

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Group Discussion [10 minutes]

ASK YOUR STUDENTS

• How can social media platforms create safe and age-appropriate environments for teenagers to connect and share their interests and experiences?
• What role should your parents or guardians play in guiding your online experiences, and what resources or tools can support them in this role?
• What steps can be taken to safeguard your experience on the internet while still promoting your independence?

Part 1: Parental Supervision Tools

TELL YOUR STUDENTS

We introduced the Family Centre, a resource offering parents and guardians expert guidance, supervision tools and conversation prompts through informative articles. This hub is designed to assist your parents or guardians navigate the current online landscape and help them ensure you have a more positive and supportive online experience.

The parental supervision tools allow parents and guardians to:

• Check how much time you spend on Instagram and set time limits.
• Get notifications if you decide to share a report.
• Keep an eye on the accounts you follow and the ones following you.

We have added even more features, so:

• Parents and guardians can invite you to be part of the supervision through the app settings. It is still your choice, and both you and your parents or guardians have to agree.
• You and your parents or guardians can schedule breaks when you cannot use Instagram. Your parents or guardians can choose specific hours and customise them for each day of the week. We will also let you know when a break is coming up.
• We have improved reporting. When you report something, you can now add more details, like who you reported and the category. Sharing this with your parents or guardians is still your choice.
• You and your parents or guardians can engage in more meaningful conversations about responsible social media use.
• Your parents can check your account settings, like privacy, sensitive content controls and messaging preferences.
• They can see the accounts you have blocked on Instagram.

Before these changes happen, you will get a 72-hour notice. This gives you a chance to talk to your parents and decide if you want to opt out.

Part 2: Private by Default Accounts for Under 16

TELL YOUR STUDENTS

We believe that having private accounts is the best way to stay safe. With private accounts, people have to request to follow you or see or comment on your content — and you have to accept their request. Any message they send will go to your DM requests folder.

If you are under 16 and new to Instagram, you will be automatically defaulted into a private account. If you are under 16 and already on Instagram, we will (or already have) send you a notification to remind you of the benefits of a private account and encourage you to switch over.

Thinking intentionally about privacy is critical, even if you opt for a public account.

Source

familycenter.meta.com

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