Kids Encounter Unwanted Content on Instagram
Despite having teen filtered accounts, kids are still encountering unwanted content on Instagram.
Lawmakers have been debating how to keep young people safe online. In Texas, legislators considered a law that would restrict social media use by minors, in addition to the existing Scope Act, which requires parental consent for creating a social media account for those under 18.
According to a study commissioned by child advocacy groups, 60% of teens aged 13-15 who used Instagram in the last six months encountered either unsafe content or unwanted messages.
Some of [the messages were] from people they suspect were adults, some of them trying to initiate romantic conversations with them, said tech expert Omar Gallaga.
Author's summary: Kids are exposed to unwanted content on Instagram despite safety measures.
- 60% of teens aged 13-15 encountered unsafe content or unwanted messages on Instagram
- Lawmakers are debating how to keep young people safe online
- Existing laws, such as the Scope Act, require parental consent for minors to create social media accounts