Set Up Instagram Teen Accounts for Your Child

Overview

Instagram's Teen Accounts are designed for users under 18. They come with safer default settings—private accounts by default, restricted messaging, limited story visibility, and reduced recommendation of sensitive content. As a parent, you can link your account to monitor activity and set usage limits.

Before You Start

• Your child must have their own Instagram account (created with their age listed as under 18)
• You should have your own Instagram account
• Both devices should have the latest Instagram app installed

Enable Teen Account (Your Child's Device)

1. Open Instagram and tap your child's profile icon (bottom right).
2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right.
3. Select Settings and Privacy (or "Settings" if the menu structure differs).
4. Look for Supervision or Teen Account settings—this may be under "Account" or "Family."
5. Follow the prompts to confirm their age, if not already set.

Instagram should automatically default to Teen Account features if the account is registered as under 18. If you see an option to "Switch to Teen Account" or "Enable Teen Protections," tap it.

Link Your Account as a Supervisor (Your Device)

1. Open Instagram on your own device and go to your profile.
2. Tap the menu icon (three lines, top right).
3. Select Settings and Privacy.
4. Tap Family or Parental Supervision (the exact label may vary; look in Account or Supervision sections).
5. Select Supervise a Teen or Set Up Family Pairing.
6. Follow the prompts to enter your child's username or scan their QR code to link accounts.
7. Your child will receive a notification and must approve the connection on their device.

Review Teen Account Default Settings

Once linked, verify these safety features are enabled on your child's account:

• Private Account: Their posts require approval before followers see them. (Settings → Privacy → Account Privacy)
• Restricted Messaging: They can only receive direct messages from followers. (Settings → Privacy → Messages)
• Reduced Sensitive Content: Their Explore and Reels recommendations avoid graphic or violent material.
• Restricted Story Visibility: Stories are visible only to followers by default.

If any of these are toggled off, re-enable them.

Set Activity Limits (Your Device, via Parental Supervision)

1. Go to your profile and open Settings and Privacy.
2. Tap Family → Supervise a Teen (or similar).
3. Select your child's account from the list.
4. Look for Time Limits or Daily Reminder options.
5. Set a daily screen-time limit (e.g., 60 minutes). Instagram will remind your child when the limit approaches.
6. Save your changes.

Monitor Activity (Your Device)

1. In Family Settings, select your child's account.
2. Review their follower list, accounts they follow, and recent activity.
3. Note any unfamiliar or suspicious accounts and discuss with your child.
4. Check Message Requests to see if strangers are trying to contact them.

(Note: You cannot see the content of messages, only who is messaging.)

Ongoing Communication

• Talk with your child about the limits and explain why you're using parental supervision.
• Review settings monthly as Instagram may update its Teen Account features.
• Adjust restrictions as they mature, with their input.
• Keep the conversation open about online safety, rather than relying on settings alone.

Do this tonight · 10 min

Set up the initial Teen Account and link your accounts. Verify privacy defaults are on. Schedule a weekly check-in to review activity together.

Troubleshooting

Teen Account option doesn't appear:

• Confirm the account is registered as under 18. Go to Settings → Account → Personal Information and check the birthdate.
• If the account was created with an adult birthdate, you may need to update it (though this might be restricted).

Can't link accounts:

• Ensure both accounts have the latest Instagram app version.
• Check that your child has approved the supervision request.
• Try scanning the QR code instead of entering a username.

Activity limits aren't working:

• Confirm your child's device has notifications enabled for Instagram.
• Check that their phone's system clock is correct.

Know Before You Go

Instagram's Teen Accounts and parental supervision tools are evolving. If you notice menu paths differ from this guide, look for equivalently named options in Settings or Family sections. Admin support or the official Instagram Help Center can confirm the latest interface.