We want children and young people to embrace the internet to learn, share, collaborate and participate in civic life with free expression. We also need to ensure that when they do so they are kept safe. When it comes to dealing with young people’s personal information it is important to be mindful that the most valuable commodity in the evolving world of technology and digital information is data. More than this, data is inextricably linked to the individual identity of its owner. We therefore have absolute responsibility to ensure that when young people share their data with us, we treat it with the care and respect it warrants.
Instagram (commonly abbreviated Insta) is a social network with a major emphasis on photo and video sharing via its mobile app. Instagram was acquired by Facebook in 2012 for US $1 billion.
In terms of usage, Instagram is the third most popular social network choice for Gen X (40%), Millennials (61%), Gen Z (69%) and Generation Alpha (19%).
Instagram is forever updating their features and policies. It is important that parents stay up-to-date with these updates, so that they can determine what the best practices are for upholding their child’s rights, with particular reference to their right to privacy.