Family Center, message limits and Hidden Words.
⏱ Takes about 5 minutes
Why bother?
Instagram pushes Reels designed to keep teens scrolling for hours. Strangers can DM your kid by default. Family Center lets you see who they follow and limit DMs.
Do this, in order
- 1
On YOUR phone, open Instagram
Tap your profile picture → ☰ menu → Family Center. - 2
Tap Invite
Send the invite to your teen via text or WhatsApp. - 3
They accept the link on their phone
You'll see who they follow, how much time they spend, and any reports. - 4
On THEIR phone, Settings → Messages and story replies → Message Controls
Set "Others on Instagram" to Don't receive requests. - 5
Hidden Words → ON
Turn on Hide message requests and Hide comments. - 6
Switch to Private account
Settings → Privacy → Private account. - 7
Sensitive content → Less
Settings → Suggested content → Less.
You did it. 🎉
Tell your kid you set this up, and why. It works way better when it's not a secret.