Can parents monitor Instagram messages or activity?

techmomJane
Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:35:54 +0000

Oh wow, this is all so helpful but also makes me so nervous! My little one is only just starting to use a tablet and I’m already worrying about what happens as they get older…

What if they start using social media way earlier than I expect? What if they accidentally find inappropriate content even before they’re old enough for Instagram? What if they learn to delete things like those teens can?

I’m so worried about screen time already - what if setting up all these monitoring tools makes me seem like I don’t trust them from the start? What if they feel like I’m constantly watching over their shoulder and that makes them secretive? What if I can’t keep up with all the new apps and social media platforms they might switch to?

Does anyone have advice for younger kids who are just starting out? What should I be doing NOW to establish good habits before they become teenagers? What if I wait too long and then it’s too hard to start monitoring later?

I keep thinking - what if my child is the one who finds workarounds like those VPNs people mentioned? What if they’re tech-savvier than me by the time they’re 12? What if I’m setting myself up for failure by trying to monitor everything?

Has anyone started with really young kids and what worked for you? What if I’m overthinking all of this? What if I’m not thinking enough about it?