
Published 21 Jul 2025
How to Set Up Instagram for Kids Safely
Instagram is a popular social media app, but many parents ask, “Is Instagram safe for kids?” Even though there are age limits, some children still find ways to use it. They might create secret accounts, make their stories private,or even talk to strangers. If you’re wondering about Instagram for kids, you’ll find all the answers in this article!

Is Instagram Safe for Kids?
Instagram says you have to be at least 13 to use the app, but that doesn’t mean it’s always safe for kids. Parents need to be aware of the risks. So, is Instagram bad for kids? It’s something every parent should think about.
- Cyberbullying: Some kids might get mean comments from classmates or others online. For example, a child could post a photo, and friends from school might make fun of it, making them feel bad.
- Inappropriate content: Even though Instagram has rules, kids might still see things they shouldn’t, like scary videos or bad pictures. For example, they might come across harmful posts while scrolling.
- Privacy risks: Kids might share personal details, like their school name or where they live, without knowing it’s dangerous. Strangers could use this information to find them.
- Bad influences: Some kids follow people who encourage them to do risky things, like skipping school or trying unsafe challenges. They might start copying bad behavior.
- Talking to strangers: Some people pretend to be friendly but have bad intentions. For example, a stranger might message a child, asking personal questions or trying to meet them.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Safe Instagram for Kids
To keep your child safe on Instagram, it’s important to set the right privacy settings and talk to them often about staying safe online. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you protect your child while they use Instagram.
- Is Instagram good for kids? Make sure your child uses their real birthdate when setting up their Instagram account. If they lie about their age, they might see content meant for older users. If they’re under 13, they shouldn’t be on Instagram, but some kids find ways to get around this. Explain why age limits are important for their safety.
- Set their account to private so only people they approve can see their posts. This keeps strangers from viewing or commenting on their content. Talk to your child about why it’s important to only accept follow requests from people they know.
- Even though Instagram stories disappear in 24 hours, remind your child that anyone with access can still see them. Be careful with posts that reveal personal info, like their school or location.
- Is Instagram bad for kids?Teach your child to control who can comment on their posts, send them messages, or tag them. Make sure they know to only accept messages from trusted friends. Explain that they can always come to you if something feels uncomfortable.
- Encourage your child to only accept follow requests from people they know in real life. Check their followers regularly to make sure no one suspicious is following them. If a stranger follows them, talk about how to handle it.
How to Use Instagram’s Parental Controls
Is Instagram good for kids? While Instagram can be fun and creative, it’s important for parents to stay involved in their child’s online activity. Instagram has tools to help keep kids safe, and here’s how you can use them to protect your child’s experience online.
Supervised Accounts
- Link your account to your child’s Instagram account.
- View what your child is doing, who they follow, and how much time they spend on Instagram.
Restricting DMs & Comments
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Messages and select “Only People You Follow” for message requests.
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Comments and turn on “Hide Offensive Comments.”
- Optionally, add your own words to block certain comments.
Time Limits & Screen Management
- Go to Settings > Your Activity > Time Spent and set a reminder to take breaks after a certain amount of time.
- Use phone settings like Screen Time (iPhones) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) to limit Instagram usage.
Blocking & Reporting
- To block someone: Go to their profile, tap the three dots, and select “Block.”
- To report a user or post: Tap the three dots and select “Report.”
Using Peekviewer to Monitor Your Child’s Instagram Activity

If you ask your 14-year-old to give you access to their account, they will probably say no and get angry. This is where Peekviewer private story viewer can help you know everything without them knowing. You don’t need to log in or create any fake accounts. If your child doesn’t let you see their account, Peekviewer can still show you everything.
Peekviewer lets you see your child’s Instagram activity, even if their account is private. You can check who comments on their posts, see who follows them, and look at hidden stories that they may think you can’t see. If you’re wondering about Instagram for kids and whether Instagram is safe for kids,Peekviewer helps you stay informed about what’s going on with their account without creating a bad situation or causing a fight with your child.
How to Use Peekviewer
- Open your web browser on your phone or computer.
- Type in the Instagram username or paste the profile link you want to view.
- Check if the profile is public or private.
- Sign up with your email. It’s quick and easy!
- Choose your plan (1 month, 3 months, or 12 months).
Why Use Peekviewer?
- No need to install anything.
- View stories and posts without needing to log into Instagram, even if they are deleted story or other content.
- See and download hidden content from private accounts without sending follow requests.
What You Get
- Save stories for up to 3 months.
- Access new posts, reels, and more.
- Cloud storage to keep things organized.
- Get alerts for likes, followers, comments, and tagged photos.
Conclusion
Keeping kids safe on Instagram can be really tough for parents, especially with teens who may not want you to have direct access to their Instagram. While Instagram has some safety features, Peekviewer offers extra security by allowing you to see everything on your child’s account, even if it’s hidden from you. When you’re considering if is Instagram for kids, Peekviewer helps you stay aware of their activity, ensuring a safer experience. A big bonus: You don’t need to log in to their account to check their comments, followers, and hidden stories.
If you notice any strange behavior or if your child seems upset, Peekviewer helps you stay aware and prepared to step in if needed. When you’re wondering, “Is Instagram safe for kids?” You can use Peekviewer to see who likes your child’s posts, what they’re posting, and who’s following them, giving you peace of mind!
FAQ
- Is Instagram safe for kids under 13?
No, Instagram says users need to be at least 13 years old. - Is Instagram bad for kids‘ mental health?
It can be, especially if kids get bullied, compare themselves to others, or spend too much time on the app. - Can I see my teen’s private Instagram?
Yes, you can use Peekviewer to monitor a private Instagram account.
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