We asked parents how easy they thought it would be for a child to pretend to be older in order to sign up to Instagram, and whether they had to verify their phone number or email address. Based on these answers, Instagram has received a neutral rating for its sign up process.

Here are some of the things parents said:

• “A little too easy I would say. I entered an old email address and then I was allowed immediate access, no confirming email, no security codes or anything. I did not have to enter my DOB or confirm my age at any point.” – Father of three
  
• “It is too easy to sign up for multiple accounts which can then be used for trolling or bullying.” – Father of a 17 yr old
  
• “I signed up with my Facebook account so didn’t need to verify.” – Mother of 14 and 17 yr olds
  

We asked parents how easy they thought it would be to find ways to report unsuitable content or behaviour, and how to block people from contacting you. Based on these answers, Instagram has received a positive rating for its reporting and blocking process.

Here is what a parent said:

• “I have reported inappropriate content before which is easy to do and was responded to quickly.” – Mother of 14 and 17 yr olds
  

We also asked young people who reviewed Instagram whether they knew how to report and block users:

• 84% said they know how to report on this site
  
• 89% said they know how to block someone on this site
  

Want to know more?

You can find out more information about reporting abuse and spam here.

You can find out more information about how to report inappropriate videos here.  

You can find out more information about blocking here.

We asked parents how easy it was to change the settings so that your profile and account is private, and how easy it is to turn off location settings. Based on these answers, Instagram has received a positive rating for its privacy settings.

Here are some of the things parents said:

• “Fairly easy but you have to search through settings. It would be easier if it had its own security section at the top of the settings menu.” – Father of three
  
• “I could not turn off location services on the app, but can do it using settings on my iPhone.” – Mother of 15 and 17 yr olds

We also asked young people who reviewed Instagram whether they knew how to report and block users:

• 81% said they know how to change their privacy settings on this site.
  
• 79% said they know how to change their location settings on this site.
  

Want to know more?

You can find out more information about privacy here.

We asked parents how easy it was to find out whether Instagram has rules or community standards, and how easy it would be for a young person to find information about keeping themselves safe on this platform. Based on these answers, Instagram has received a neutral rating for its safety and support.

Here are some of the things parents said:

• “You can find it if you hunt but it is not easily accessible.” – Mother of 9 yr old boys
  
• “The advice needs to be more easily accessible in an easy to read format.” – Father of three
  

Want to know more?

You can find out more information about safety on Instagram's Help Centre here.

You can read Instagram's safety tips topics here. 

You can read Instagram's tips for parents here.