What is Threads and how is it different from Instagram?

Threads is Meta's text-based public conversation app, similar in feel to X/Twitter. It shares an account login with Instagram, so a Threads handle is the child's Instagram handle. Anyone who can see them on Instagram is one tap away from their Threads activity.

Does Threads have a dedicated teen experience?

Threads applies the same Teen Account protections as Instagram for under-18s, including a private profile by default and limited messaging. However, there is no separate younger-user mode and the public feed can still surface adult, political, or news content via hashtags and reposts.

Can my child be contacted by strangers on Threads?

Replies on Threads are public by default unless the child changes who can reply or who can mention them. Direct messaging happens through Instagram DMs, so the Instagram message controls also govern Threads contact.

What should I do if there is a problem on this app?

Use the app's in-app report and block tools first - this is usually the fastest way to remove content or restrict an account. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101. The NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000) and Childline (0800 1111) are free and confidential. For a UK reporting decision tree, see /reporting and /tools/reporting-route-finder.

Threads Safety Guide for Parents

What parents need to know about Threads, Meta's text-based social app linked to Instagram, including privacy, content discovery, and adult-topic exposure.

Official age

13+

We recommend

15+

Developer

Meta Platforms

Risks

Direct messaging

Overview

Threads is Meta's text-based conversation app, launched in 2023 and fully available in the UK and EU since late 2023. It is tightly tied to Instagram - users sign in with an Instagram account, share the same handle, and can be followed back to their Instagram profile in one tap. Threads has grown quickly among UK teenagers as a chattier, more text-driven alternative to Instagram and a softer alternative to X. The feed is hashtag- and topic-driven, which means children can be served adult news stories, political arguments, or commentary outside their follower network simply by tapping a trending topic.

How children use it

Teenagers use Threads for casual short posts, jokes, fandom chatter, and replying to influencers they already follow on Instagram. Many treat it as a 'second Instagram' where they can be looser and less curated. Some join trending hashtags or quote-post viral threads, which can pull them into adult-led conversations. Because the account is shared with Instagram, anything a child posts on Threads is visible to everyone who follows them on Instagram unless their account is private.

Main risks

harmful content privacy oversharing cyberbullying social media safety

Recommended privacy settings

Private Profile

Location: Profile -> Settings -> Privacy -> Private profile

Set to: On

Only approved followers can see your child's threads and replies. Teen Accounts are private by default but this should be verified.

Who can mention you

Location: Settings -> Privacy -> Mentions

Set to: People you follow

Stops strangers tagging your child into unrelated conversations or pile-on threads.

Who can reply

Location: When posting -> Anyone / Profiles you follow / Mentioned only

Set to: Profiles you follow

Set as a default for every post so strangers cannot reply with comments under your child's content.

Hidden Words

Location: Settings -> Privacy -> Hidden Words

Set to: On with advanced filters

Filters offensive replies and message requests automatically. The same list is shared with Instagram.

Parental Supervision

Location: Instagram Settings -> Supervision (covers Threads)

Set to: Linked to parent account

Lets you see who your child follows on Threads, time spent in-app, and updates to safety settings. There is no separate Threads supervision - it is managed through Instagram.