Is It Illegal for a 12-Year-Old to Use Instagram? Understanding Age Requirements

Learn why Instagram prohibits users under 13, focusing on COPPA and child online safety.

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Yes, it is legally prohibited for 12-year-olds to have an Instagram account. According to Instagram's terms of service, users must be at least 13 years old to create an account. This age requirement is based on the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States, which sets restrictions on online data collection from individuals under 13 years of age. Parents should monitor their child's online activities to ensure compliance with these guidelines.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is COPPA and how does it affect social media? COPPA is a U.S. law that protects the privacy of children under 13 by regulating online data collection.
  2. Can parents create an Instagram account for their child? No, creating an account for a child under 13 is against Instagram's terms of service.
  3. What should parents do to monitor their child’s online activities? Parents should regularly check their child's social media usage and engage in discussions about online safety.
  4. What are the consequences for children using Instagram underage? Underage users may have their accounts suspended, and parents could face challenges in monitoring online activities.

Watch More

For more insights into social media usage and child safety online, check out our videos on digital parenting and guidelines for popular platforms.

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