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Should you follow your child on Instagram?

This is one of the most frequent questions we get from parents, and the answer is this: Sure. Go ahead. Follow your child on Instagram.

But don’t respond to any of their posts.

That’s right. No likes or comments, parents.

You see, for your child, being on social media is kind of like going to the mall with their friends. They’d be horrified if you sat down next to them at the food court table with your kung pao chicken and Diet Coke. The next weekend, they’d go to a different mall.

Basically, commenting on or liking your child’s Instagram posts = kung pao chicken. And any social media platform that you’re not on = another mall.

Just take a look around. 

Check out your child’s “following” tab on their Instagram page to see what the people he follows are liking and sharing on the platform. See who else is following him on Instagram by clicking “followers.” 

If you see something you don’t like or are unsure about, talk with your child about it. Use these real-life, in-the-moment examples to have honest conversations about using social media for good! If you need some help, check out our parent-child Huddles in our Social Locker Room. Each one comes with talking points to ensure you hit the most important bits.

“Your child should be following you on the social platforms you’re naturally active on. They should see everything you post…”

And ask them to follow you.

Your child should be following you on the social platforms you’re naturally active on. They should see everything you post – the kinds of photos your share, the articles you’re reading and what you think about them, the GIFs you find funny, your comments on your friends’ posts, all of it. They do the same in real-life social situations. They hear what you say, see the expression on your face, watch how you handle an unexpected or uncomfortable situation. It’s how they learn how to be social. Be a good role model on social media.

And remember: He can click on your “Following” and “Followers” tabs, too. 

Then get on all the apps they use.

We strongly recommend downloading and using any platform your child uses — not just the ones you already use. Learning about them on this website and in the Social Locker Room (starting this summer!) is a great start, but it’s just that. A start. Your child is on Snapchat but you have zero time to learn it? Luckily, you’re living with a Snapchat expert! Huddle with your child for a 20-minute demo.

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