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Language: en-US

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Here are six things parents may not know about the popular social image-sharing platform Instagram.

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No. 1: According to the terms of service,
kids should be 13 years old before signing up.

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Unfortunately, Instagram has no age-verification
process, so lots of kids younger than that are using it.

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No. 2: Some users have multiple accounts that
are completely separate from each other.

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Fake Instagram accounts or "finstas" are public-facing and highly curated and project an ideal online

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persona that's hard to achieve in reality.

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No. 3: Depending on whom you follow or what
you search for, you can find lots of mature on

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content on Instagram.

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Whether it's cyberbullying or oversharing,
comments on posts can be downright

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vicious, especially if an account is public.

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No. 4: Instagram accounts are public by default, so the first setting to change is the privacy setting.

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With a private account, only people
you approve can see what you post.

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No. 5: Using Instagram might affect a teen's
body image and sense of self.

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The pressure to look perfect, or to get the most likes
and followers, means some teens will be comparing

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themselves to others.

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And No. 6: Instagram is also a place kids
can be creative, posting art, poetry, and

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videos that showcase their talents.

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So when used purposefully, and in balance with other activities, the app can leave kids feeling

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connected and positive.

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For more tips, visit us at commonsense.org.