In an era where social media is integral to our lives, it’s essential for parents to understand the risks associated with platforms like Instagram. Just as we avert our gaze during a frightening movie scene, we might prefer to ignore the unsettling aspects of social media. Yet, it’s crucial for us to confront these challenges head-on to safeguard our children.
Many parents are rightly proud of supporting their children’s creative endeavors, whether it’s making TikTok videos, chatting on Snapchat, or curating beautiful images on Instagram. After all, these platforms provide a way for kids to stay connected with their friends, especially in a time when social distancing has become the norm. A successful online presence can even lead to financial opportunities, with influencers—those with substantial followings—earning significant income. Vox reports that even “nano-influencers” with smaller audiences can earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, while those with larger followings can command much more per post.
As a newcomer to the realm of Instagram influencers, I ventured into this space to promote my line of children’s clothing. I sought out accounts with around 10,000 followers that showcased joyful children, believing this would enhance my brand’s visibility. I was astonished by how straightforward it was to connect with these child models, which translated into increased sales for my business.
However, it didn’t take long for me to stumble upon the darker side of Instagram. My first unsettling encounter was with an account that followed me—a middle-aged man whose profile triggered my suspicions. A closer look revealed that he predominantly followed young girls. The hashtags he engaged with were alarming: #kidsswimwear, #littlegymnast, and others that made my stomach turn. This was a clear indication of predatory behavior, and it was happening without any consequence on the platform.
As parents, we often overlook who is following our children’s accounts, especially as they grow older and begin managing their online presence. While many accounts are run by well-meaning moms, there are dangerous individuals lurking amidst the followers. The common response I hear from fellow parents is, “I just block them,” but it’s not that simple. I too thought I was doing enough until I started digging deeper into my own follower list and discovered just how pervasive these accounts are.
Steps to Ensure Your Child’s Safety on Instagram
To ensure our children’s safety, it’s vital to take proactive measures. If your child’s Instagram account features their photos, consider these steps:
- Identify and Block Obvious Threats: Look for accounts with inappropriate images, especially those that follow numerous child accounts. These profiles often have alarming content, making them easy to spot and block.
- Protect Against Photo Theft: Some accounts may steal and share images of your children. These accounts can be private, but if they request to follow you, do not hesitate to investigate or block them if they refuse access.
- Unmask Hidden Predators: Many predatory accounts disguise themselves, so it’s important to scrutinize who is following your child. Check their follower lists and the hashtags they engage with to identify any concerning patterns.
- Beware of Ghost Accounts: Accounts lacking profile pictures or posts can be misleading. They often follow inappropriate hashtags, and it’s wise to block any such follower.
- Regularly Review Your Followers: As your account grows, make it a habit to reassess your followers and remove any suspicious accounts regularly.
Understanding the implications of who follows your child is crucial. Predators may interact on posts, seeking to build relationships and engage with young users. Remember, while we strive to protect our children, they will eventually have access to social media independently. The risk continues to grow, and the need for vigilance is paramount.
It’s time we prioritize our kids’ safety online. Models should clean up their follower lists, even if it means losing a few. Brands, be discerning about the influencers you collaborate with—an influencer’s follower base can impact your brand’s reputation. And to Instagram, we urge you to implement better reporting mechanisms that track predatory behavior more effectively.
The reality is that as children spend more time online, so do predators. The United States has a troubling record regarding child exploitation online, and resources to combat this are often limited. For more information on this pressing issue, consider visiting Thorn.org or CDC’s page on ART, which provides valuable insights into protecting our youth.
In conclusion, our online actions have lasting effects, and as a community, we must collectively strive to create a safer environment for our children. Awareness is the first step.