Hey QuestLog, great question! Instagram can be a minefield for kids, and it’s smart of you to be curious about how it might be impacting your child. I’ve seen firsthand how things like curated feeds, comparison traps, and even cyberbullying can really mess with a kid’s mood and self-esteem. A lot of the effects are subtle, so keep an eye out for things like increased irritability, withdrawing from family activities, or suddenly obsessing over their appearance.
Here’s a pro-tip: dive into their “Following” list. Who are they actually following? Are they exposed to a lot of unrealistic beauty standards, toxic positivity, or negativity? Use Instagram’s “Restricted Mode” to limit contact with certain accounts without them knowing. It’s a stealthy way to give them space from accounts that could be triggering. And remember, open communication is key. Chat regularly, asking questions like, “What do you like about Instagram?” and “How does it make you feel?”. This will show them you’re engaged, and build trust so they feel comfortable coming to you.