Instagram moves to protect teens online

Children's Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison has lauded Instagram for introducing new safety features tailored for accounts owned by teenagers.

This initiative, which includes stricter privacy settings and content filtering, is designed to protect young users from inappropriate material and unwanted interactions.

"These changes are crucial in ensuring that our teenagers can navigate social media safely. The introduction of stricter privacy settings means that their personal information is better protected from unwanted attention," she said. Gordon Harrison also emphasised that while these features are beneficial, they must be part of a broader strategy to keep children safe online.

"The fact is, even though Instagram has age limits, teens are still on it. If these tools help control the content they are exposed to, it has to be seen as a step in the right direction." She also cautioned about the mental health implications of excessive screen time, noting that issues like self-esteem, reduced physical activity, and a potential decline in cognitive engagement remain concerns.

"There's also a laziness of the brain when teens get used to just scrolling instead of engaging in more meaningful activities like reading," she said.

Patrick Linton, a cyber-forensics expert and director of cyber investigations and risk management at the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency, echoed the importance of the safety features, especially in light of the increasing risks faced by Jamaican teens online. He shared that many teens are being lured into dangerous activities, including pornography, through social media platforms.

"We've been tracking a lot of cases where individuals pretend to be peers and lure kids into physical spaces or even monetising themselves through inappropriate acts. These features on Instagram can help parents monitor their children's activities better and prevent such dangers," he said, highlighting that many parents may not fully understand social media platforms.

Linton added, "This is a pivotal moment for social media. By prioritising teen safety, platforms like Instagram can help build a more responsible online community."

Both Gordon Harrison and Linton agree that parental involvement and education about the platforms are critical in ensuring the effectiveness of these features.

"It's not just about the tools but also about how we educate our youth and their parents on using these features effectively," Gordon Harrison stated. She mentioned that the Office of the Children's Advocate is updating its 'BeSocial, BeSmart' manuals to help parents and educators stay informed about the evolving digital landscapes.