Social media sites such as Instagram are considered increasingly popular. However, there are some parents who are still worried about the dangers of online applications. Whatever their reasons for not letting you have an Instagram account, there are still ways to convince them to change their minds. Be patient and willing to answer questions and you'll be surprised at how quickly you snap a photo and choose a filter.
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Method 1 of 3: Talking to Parents
Step 1. Know that you must be 13 years or older to have an Instagram account
Unfortunately, if you are under the age of 13, using an Instagram account is considered a violation of Instagram's Terms of Service. Not only does this make it more difficult to have an account, but it also makes it harder to convince your parents that having an account is a good idea.
Step 2. Find time to talk to them when they are in a good mood
Don't talk when they are busy, worried or when they are talking to one of your siblings. If you notice that they are in a good mood, they will most likely let you have an Instagram account. Some recommended times include:
- After dinner
- During a quiet weekend.
- Immediately after obtaining achievements, such as reports of good learning outcomes.
Step 3. Explain the basics of using Instagram to parents
Many parents don't feel comfortable with Instagram because they don't understand it. However, Instagram is considered simpler when compared to sites like Facebook or Twitter. Users share photos with their friends who can like or comment on the photos and post their own photos. There is more emphasis on photography than on "status updates". The basics of using Instagram include:
- Users post and edit pictures on Instagram with photo editing software.
- Users can follow their friends to see the photos they have on the photo reel.
- While you can like and comment on photos, there is no "chat room" function on Instagram.
- You do not need to provide any personal information other than a personal email address to join.
Step 4. Explain to your parents why you want to have an Instagram account
Think of a reason why you want to have an Instagram account other than "everyone has one". If you can show your parents how Instagram can benefit your life and creativity, they will most likely allow you to have the account. Luckily, since Instagram is a photography site, showing parents the benefits of this site is easy:
- You want to practice photography.
- You want to explore famous photographers and locations.
- You and your friends take pictures and share special moments together online.
Step 5. Emphasize the creative aspects of Instagram
Instagram is a creative application. You can shoot images and edit brightness, contrast, saturation, cropping, filter effects etc. This can set it apart from other social media sites that place more emphasis on chat. You should remind parents of these differences.
Show them professional accounts, such as National Geographic or the Food Network that match your interests. There's great art and photography on Instagram that your parents may not even be aware of
Step 6. Share and discuss Instagram Hints for Parents
Knowing that these conversations are taking place in living rooms around the world, Instagram has included helpful hints for parents to help them and their kids use the service. The guide explains what Instagram is, how to deal with shared attention and the potential benefits and drawbacks of the app.
You can find these instructions in multiple languages via the Instagram Help Center → Privacy & Security → Parental Advice
Step 7. Help parents start their own account
Help them create an account and let them follow you, making them feel part of your Instagram and alleviating any worries they may have. Many parents don't want to join Instagram, but this step can show them that you're willing to compromise and have nothing to hide.
It can also be a great way to show parents how easy it is to use Instagram which can help them feel more comfortable with the app
Step 8. Have a discussion not a debate
Arguing this conversation will only discourage parents from seeing the views you have. Look them in the eye and ask them to ask you questions. If they feel you are reasonable and responsible enough, Instagram will appear reasonable and responsible as a result.
- Make eye contact.
- Keep the voice calm and controlled.
- Acknowledge their opinion on certain points even if you have "opposite points".
- Focus on yourself and your trustworthiness, not on the “evil” shadows of online snoopers.
Step 9. Respect their answers
If they say yes, say thank you and give them a hug. Keep every promise you make about the account and start enjoying Instagram. If they say no, let them know that you understand their decision, but would still like to discuss Instagram again at a later date. Reassure them that the site is safe and ask if they would be willing to do a further review. The Instagram Help Center for example, has various sections on "Suggestions for Parents."
Shouting or getting angry will only ruin your chances of having an account later on
Method 2 of 3: Changing No to Yes
Step 1. Check with your parents again 1-2 weeks after the first try
Put some respect and courtesy when you bring it up again. "Would you like to rethink my Instagram account?" is a great way to start a conversation without feeling spontaneous and whining. Let this be a conversation, not a debate, but be prepared to explain about the site and the steps you will take to keep it safe.
Step 2. Ask parents why they are worried about Instagram
Some parents have big concerns about Instagram. However, you will never be able to convince them to have an account if you don't know what worries them. Don't get upset or fight with them. Listen to their concerns with an open mind. Starting an argument now will only make them less willing to allow you to have an account when you ask again at a later date. Some of the common problems with Instagram include:
- You're not mature enough.
- There are bad people on the internet.
- Public photos will follow throughout your life.
Step 3. Let them know that you understand the dangers of the internet and how to avoid them
This can be one of the most persuasive arguments because it can show that you know how to be responsible online. It can also address their concerns before they talk about it. Let them know that you are aware of cyberbullying and internet scams and reassure them that photos can stay online for a long time. However, you should focus on what you are going to do to prevent problems:
- Personal accounts can manually set who can follow you.
- Anyone anonymously can apply for an account ban for being rude, offensive or uploading obscene content.
- You don't need to give Instagram your real name or contact information.
- Geotagging, the term for adding location information to your photos, can be turned off in the "Settings" section.
Step 4. Show a sense of responsibility around the house
Let your parents see that you are mature enough to take on the responsibilities of having an Instagram account, including when you do your chores and homework on time, listen to their requests, treat your siblings with respect every day.
However, keep in mind that if you're only doing this to "trick" them into getting them to let you have an Instagram account, you'll lose your account when you stop being responsible. You need to be respectful every day to get their approval
Step 5. Promise to keep your account private
Private accounts have the many advantages of being undetected by search engines and allowing you to control who sees your photos. This is often enough to convince your parents that Instagram is a safe online place. Unlike a public account, a private account can:
- Decide whether to accept or reject each new follower.
- Makes you undetectable in search engine results.
- Hide information and photos from unknown people.
Step 6. Try to share your password with your parents as long as they agree not to post anything
This can reassure your parents that nothing is obscene or indecent without their knowledge. While it may feel awkward to "tell" your account to your parents, it's actually a great way to compromise if they still haven't allowed you to have an account.
Create accounts together so they can get hands-on experience using the app
Method 3 of 3: Keeping Your Privileges
Step 1. Keep your promises
If there are multiple conditions for having an account, be sure to do what has been said. Keep accounts private, don't change passwords if you tell them your account and don't post obscene and offensive photos. This is especially important if your parents are hesitant to let you. Show them that you deserve the responsibility and can take it up with maturity.
Step 2. Answer any questions they have
If they want to know what accounts you follow, be open and let them know. Even when you haven't done anything wrong, being defensive and covering up can make them suspicious and may bar you from having an Instagram account.
Step 3. Make them feel like a part of your account
This can make them feel embraced and can legitimize their decision to let you have the account. There are simple and easy ways to do this without having them join your account:
- Show them your shots.
- Ask them for help in selecting a filter at any time.
- Take a “family selfie” with them while on vacation or while in a cool location.
Step 4. Let your parents know when you make changes to your account
If you've shown that you can be responsible for your account for 3-6 months, let your parents know that you're turning your account public to gain more followers. If your parents notice this change before you tell them, they will feel their trust has been compromised and will overreact and may close your account.
Step 5. Don't make Instagram the center of your life
Instagram is an extension of social life, not life in its entirety. Therefore, don't give your parents the impression that all you're doing is staring at your phone screen. This is not only important to them, but also to you. In reality, it's hard to get great photos if you keep staring at your phone screen every day.
Instagram accounts post 1-3 photos a day instead of 100 photos
Tips
- Get good grades and do assignments to show emotional maturity.
- Know who you are following and be careful when giving other people permission to follow you.
- Speak politely on Instagram and don't use offensive language.
- Be sure to show your parents that you're old enough to have an Instagram account. Be sure to provide examples of how you have demonstrated responsible behavior in the past. This will provide a greater opportunity for parents to consider the situation.
- Don't bother them if they still say no and don't get mad if you've been trying for months.
- Promise to show who's following you.
- Show parents that you know every social media rule and explain to them how to avoid problems with the site.
- Let your parents know that you're going to be tactful and make sure they know what you're uploading.
- Let parents know what's going on on Instagram to make them feel more about the account.
- Tell the parents that everyone that the “everyone has one” excuse is not going to help your problem.
Warning
- Never share personal data or information on social media sites.
- Even if your posts are private, someone can take photos of the photos you've uploaded to your site. Think about each photo before uploading it.
- Once you upload something, it cannot be undone. Remember, if something is already on the internet, it will be there forever.
