We asked parents whether they were asked to verify their phone number or email address to sign up to this site. We also asked them how easy or difficult it would be for a child to pretend to be older to sign up. 

Parents say:

• “The registration process should be more rigid and further checks should be in place.” - Mother of children aged 4 and 10 
  
• “It's incredibly easy for any person of any age to sign up for Instagram. There's no way to stop underage children from making an account and viewing content that is inappropriate for them.” - Father of girls aged 10 and 11

We asked parents how easy it was to find out how to report unsuitable content, to find out if the site is moderated, to block other users and to hide or report an unwanted message or picture.

Parents say:

• “I like the introduction of the option that allows you to stop people commenting on your post - removing the opportunity for trolls or negative comments being left.” - Mother of girls aged 10 and 13
  

Young people say:

• “Instagram should take down semi nude posts because there are lots of young children on this social media. They also need to react quicker to reports.” - Girl, 13
  
• “The reporting system is not as efficient as it should be.” - Girl, 15
  
• 74% of young people who reviewed Instagram said they know how to report on this site. 
  
• 82% said they know how to block someone. 
  

More information: 

Read about blocking here and about reporting here.

We asked parents how easy it was to find information about privacy and to change the settings to ensure the account is private.  

Parents say:

• “Parents should be aware of the option to have your profile private. It may not stop children from seeing what's on other people's profiles and feeds but as long as they are careful who they accept as a follower they can keep their own information private.” - Father of girls aged 10 and 11
  
• “It's easy to set the account to private. It's also easy to look at the followers list to check images aren't shared inappropriately.” - Father of girls aged 7, 11 and 13
  

Young people say:

• “It can be risky if you’re not private as strangers can follow you and message you and you can see photos you shouldn’t be seeing.” - Girl, 13
• “Anyone can see your pictures if you don't have a private account.” - Boy, 15
• “If you put the location on your photo people can see it.” - Girl, 13
• 82% of young people who reviewed Instagram said they know how to change their privacy settings on this site. 
  
• 64% said they know how to turn off their location settings. 
  

More information: 

Visit Instagram’s privacy page here.

We asked parents how easy it was to find out whether this site has rules or community standards, to find safety information for children and parents, and to find links to support services. 

Parents say:

• "All the relevant measures are there but not really visible.” - Mother of children aged 4 and 10
  

More information: 

Visit the help pages here and here.

Visit the parent’s guide here.

This site allows live streaming. Find out more about live streaming here.