Have you overheard your teen talking about their spam Insta and their main and had no idea what they meant? Instagram spam accounts are on the rise, and they bring with them risks to teens. This article will explain what a spam account on Instagram is, the risks parents need to be aware of, and tips for keeping kids safe.
What is a spam account on Instagram?
TL;DR: A spam account on Instagram is a second, private profile teens use to share more private posts with close friends, separate from their main account.
In teenspeak, “spam” accounts on Instagram refer to a secondary account with a smaller group of followers where users share more unpolished views of their life. In contrast, their real account (their “main”) portrays a more selectively curated view, like a highlight reel.
What’s the difference between Instagram spam accounts and finstas?
There’s functionally no difference between finstas (and their close cousin faketoks) and spam accounts; they’re just two different slang terms for the same activity.
Why do teens use spam accounts on Instagram?
There are numerous reasons your teen might use a spam account, and while some are harmless, others deserve your attention.
They want to be more authentic with a trusted group of friends. Teens increasingly feel compelled to present polished versions of themselves online, and the stress of these expectations is taking a toll on their mental health. Some teens use spam accounts as a way to escape this pressure and express themselves in an unvarnished way to a trusted group of besties.
A general desire for more privacy. Adolescents naturally desire privacy from their parents.It’s important to realize that this doesn’t automatically mean your child is doing something unsafe; it may simply be a normal part of their growth toward independence and adulthood.
Mistrust of Big Tech. Teens are increasingly distrustful of Big Tech companies and may use spam Instagram profiles as “burner” accounts for some activity as a way to protect themselves online.
To hide activity from parents. Some teens use spam accounts to post things their parents wouldn’t approve of. This could be anything from photos and videos of them engaging in risky behavior, wearing risqué clothing, or espousing views different from their parents.
Risks of spam accounts on Instagram
Spam accounts aren’t inherently unsafe, but they can be, depending on how your child uses them. Here are some potential risks:
Hiding illegal or unsafe behavior. If your child uses their spam account to keep you from discovering behavior that could put them in harm's way, this prevents you from being able to support and guide them to make safer choices.
The illusion of privacy. A carefully selected group of followers for a spam account doesn’t mean posts will stay private. People can still snap screenshots of private accounts and spread them widely.
Encourages risky activity. The lack of adult oversight on a spam account could disinhibit teens and encourage them to take part in unsafe behavior, like posting sexualized images of themselves or documenting themselves taking part in illegal activities.
What to do if your teen has a spam account on Instagram
If you discover your child has a spam account on Instagram, here are some actions you can take to ensure they’re safe:
Ask them why they created a spam account. The first step is to find out what benefit your child gets from having a spam account so you can help them meet that need in a safe way.
Focus on their safety. If your child’s spam account is an attempt to hide unsafe behavior, it’s important that you address it and help them make safe choices going forward.
Help them understand the risks. Explain your concerns and emphasize that your goal is to keep them safe.
Collaborate with your child to find a safe solution. If your child is using a spam account to hide unsafe behavior, deleting it may be necessary. If they just want an online space to share their unfiltered self with a few close friends, perhaps you let them keep the spam account with the understanding that you’ll monitor it going forward.
Use a monitoring app. If you decide to let your child keep their spam account and want to give them the privacy they desire without compromising their safety, BrightCanary has you covered. Our advanced technology monitors your child across every app they use without requiring you to read every post they make. They get the privacy they desire; you get the peace of mind you need.
FAQ
What is a spam account on Instagram?
A spam account is a secondary Instagram profile teens create to post casual or hidden content for a smaller, private group of followers.
Why do teens have spam accounts?
Teens use spam accounts to share authentic posts with close friends, avoid pressure from their main account, or sometimes hide risky behavior from parents.
Are spam accounts the same as Finstas?
Yes. Spam accounts and Finstas are both slang terms for secondary Instagram accounts used to share unfiltered or private content.
Are spam accounts safe for kids?
Spam accounts can be safe if used for lighthearted sharing, but they carry risks if teens use them to hide inappropriate behavior, post risky content, or connect with strangers.
How can I monitor my child’s spam account?
The safest approach is to talk with your child, set clear boundaries, and use a monitoring tool like BrightCanary to alert you to concerning content across all accounts.
Summary
It's not abnormal for kids to create spam accounts, but it can be risky if they use them to hide unsafe behavior or inappropriate content. Parents should talk to their children about the risks of spam accounts and why what they share online matters.
BrightCanary can monitor what your child types on every app they use, regardless of which account they use on Instagram. Download today to get started.
