Best privacy settings for Instagram (UK parent walkthrough)
The Instagram privacy settings UK parents should switch on first: Teen Accounts, Private Account, supervision, message controls and hidden words.
Instagram applies stricter "Teen Accounts" defaults for under-18s in the UK, but parents still need to confirm the settings have stayed in place after any account changes and link supervision so they can see who their child follows and who messages them.
The checklist below covers the privacy settings that matter most. It takes about five minutes.
Step-by-step
Confirm a Teen Account is active
Settings → Account → Account type. Under-18 accounts in the UK should already show Teen Account. If not, contact Instagram support. Tip: Teen Accounts default to Private and stricter messaging.
Set to Private Account
Settings → Privacy → Account privacy → Private account → On. Tip: Required on Teen Accounts; double-check it has not been switched off.
Link Parental Supervision
Settings → Supervision → Add account → invite parent's Instagram. Tip: Lets you set time limits, see who they follow and who follows them, and get notified when they report.
Restrict who can DM
Settings → Privacy → Messages → Others on Instagram → Don't receive requests. Tip: On Teen Accounts this is the default; confirm it has stayed.
Turn off message requests from non-followers
Settings → Messages → Message requests → Off.
Turn on Hidden Words for comments and DMs
Settings → Privacy → Hidden Words → toggle Hide comments and Hide message requests. Tip: Filters out the worst slurs, abuse and sexual content automatically.
Disable Activity status and Story sharing
Settings → Privacy → Activity Status → Off. Stories → Allow sharing as posts → Off.
Enable two-factor authentication
Settings → Security → Two-factor authentication → Authenticator app or SMS.
Settings to check
- Teen Account active
- Private Account
- Parental Supervision linked
- DMs from non-followers
- Message requests
- Hidden Words
- Activity Status
- Two-factor authentication
What not to do
- Do not assume your child kept the recommended settings after an app update.
- Do not use the same password on the app as on email or banking.
- Do not allow sign-in via a social account you do not also control.
- Do not skip enabling two-factor authentication.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.