- Our chief parenting officer, was shocked to find an Instagram account that blog hundreds of bikini photos of teen and tween girls without their consent. She reported it to Instagram, but nothing changed. We’re not against bikini photos, but we’re against how this account exploits them.
This account is not like American Eagle or other brands that show girls having fun in their swimsuits. This account is only interested in showing off random teens’ half-naked bodies to anyone who follows them. They even sort the girls by hair color in their Story highlights, as if they were objects.
The worst part is that this account often tags the girls in their photos, exposing them to creepy messages from strangers. This is unacceptable and dangerous. We need Instagram to take action and protect these girls.
Sadly, there are many other accounts that do the same thing. They post even more disturbing photos of young children. These accounts attract predators who prey on them. That’s why we need you to report “Bikini Teens” and let Instagram know that this is not okay. The more we speak up, the more likely we are to shut down this account and make Instagram a safer place for everyone.
Reporting Inappropriate Content on Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide
- First, visit the profile of the account in question on Instagram.
- Locate and click on the three dots positioned next to the “follow” button at the top of the page.
- Choose the option that says “Report User.”
- Indicate that the content is “Inappropriate.”
- Proceed to report the entire account by selecting “Report account.”
- Specify that the account is “Posting content that shouldn’t be on Instagram.”
- Further narrow down the violation by clicking on “Nudity or sexual activity.”
- Finally, make it clear that the issue involves a child by selecting the option “Involves a child.”
Latest Instagram Safety Enhancements
As of March 16, Instagram has introduced a series of updates, as outlined in their recent announcement. These new features aim to enhance the protection of young users. The improvements involve efforts to identify instances where youngsters may provide inaccurate age information, limitations on which adults can initiate conversations with teenagers, issuance of safety notifications for kids engaged in potentially unsafe dialogues, and more. While these changes represent a positive step forward, it’s important to note that they may not entirely guarantee the meaningful safety of children on the platform.
How You Can Make a Difference
Encountering accounts like this can be distressing, but there are proactive steps you can take to make a positive impact.
Report, report, report
Feeling upset is natural when you stumble upon accounts posting inappropriate content involving children. Yet, take solace in knowing that your actions matter. Reporting such accounts may seem like a small effort, but Instagram is more likely to respond when a collective voice raises concerns. Your involvement, along with that of your community, can bring about real change.
Stay Vigilant
While social media platforms have guidelines and reporting tools, the assumption that swift action will be taken is not always accurate. Don’t automatically trust that Instagram has your child’s best interests at heart. Stay alert and proactive in monitoring their online presence.
Educate Your Child
If your teen or tween aspires to build a substantial following on Instagram, discuss the potential pitfalls of keeping their account public. As demonstrated earlier, predatorial accounts can easily exploit innocent photos, turning a cherished memory into a nightmare. Open communication is key to raising awareness.
Disable Message Requests
Even with a private account, your child can receive message requests from anyone, revealing text, images, and videos. Disable this feature to exert more control over their online interactions. A step-by-step guide on managing Instagram messages can be found here.
Empower Other Parents
Recognize the significance of the issue on Instagram and share this crucial information with other parents in your social circle. Help them safeguard their children by spreading the message and creating awareness within your community.
