If you’re a parent, here is a quick heads up on a new disappearing photo app released by Instagram.
Instagram has officially launched a brand new app called Instants. It’s designed to compete directly with Snapchat, and it works much the same way: you take a photo, send it, and it disappears after the recipient views it. Each photo can only be viewed once and is gone within 24 hours.
Sound harmless? We know the issues and concerns with Snapchat.
Apps like Instants give young people a false sense of security. The thinking goes: if it disappears, it can’t come back to stress me or casuse me concern in the future.
But that’s simply not true.
We’ve seen this time and time again. Third-party apps, a second phone held up to the screen, someone screen-recording on another device — there are countless ways to capture a photo that was supposed to disappear. Once an image leaves your child’s phone, the control is gone with it.
It’s also worth knowing that Instagram recently removed end-to-end encryption from its direct messages entirely — meaning Meta can potentially see what’s being shared between users on the platform.
And here’s something else most people never think about.
Every photo shared on social media carries hidden data — called metadata. This tells platforms where the photo was taken, when, on what device, and much more. That information is then used to power advertising. In short: your child’s photos aren’t just being shared with friends. They’re feeding a business model.
The answer is simpler than you might think.
Talk to your children
Not in a scary way, in an honest way.
Help them understand that disappearing doesn’t always mean gone. And if something ever does go wrong, they can always come to you. No judgement. That last part is often the most important thing a young person can hear.
These conversations don’t have to be long. They don’t have to be perfect. They just have to happen.
Instagram Instants isn’t going away, and it likely won’t be the last app of its kind. The best support we can give our children is information, conversation, and trust.
Equip them with the facts, knowledge and education. Keep the door open. And stay one step ahead.
I offer one-to-one sessions for parents covering exactly these kinds of issues, gaming, online safety, parental controls, and everything in between.
👉 Download the Parents App for clear step by step guides and practical support
👉 Book a one to one session with me to help with any questions or guidance you might need
Stay Safe Online
Wayne
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