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.
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.
Settings → Privacy → Account privacy → Private account → On. Tip: Required on Teen Accounts; double-check it has not been switched off.
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.
Settings → Privacy → Messages → Others on Instagram → Don't receive requests. Tip: On Teen Accounts this is the default; confirm it has stayed.
Settings → Messages → Message requests → Off.
Settings → Privacy → Hidden Words → toggle Hide comments and Hide message requests. Tip: Filters out the worst slurs, abuse and sexual content automatically.
Settings → Privacy → Activity Status → Off. Stories → Allow sharing as posts → Off.
Settings → Security → Two-factor authentication → Authenticator app or SMS.
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.