This episode was hard for me to do, because I’ll be honest: I don’t believe kids should be on social media. Full stop. And still… the reality is: teens (and preteens) are being pulled into this world whether we like it or not, and parents are left trying to make sense of it with a pit in their stomach and zero clear answers. So, we sat down with Meta to find the safest way to protect our kids in these social media times.

In this conversation, Kristin interviews Tara Hopkins (Global Director of Public Policy at Instagram/Meta — and a mom of two teens) and asks the questions parents actually have about teen accounts, content exposure, messaging, time limits, AI, and what “safety” really means in a world of short-form dopamine loops. Full disclosure, this episode isn't going to leave you saying, “Instagram is great for kids!” But, if you've already given your child instagram, if you're curious what limits you can place for your kid begging for social media, or you know someone in the thick of it, you'll walk away knowing *exactly* what you can, and can't do, to protect your kid online.

This is an information-forward, real-world conversation for parents who want to understand:

• What Instagram Teen Accounts actually are

• What protections exist (and where parents still need to step in)

• What parents can and can’t control

• How Meta approaches sensitive content and teen safety

• How time limits, sleep settings, and parental permissions work

• Where AI fits into all of this

My hope is simple: more clarity, less spiraling. Whether you’re firmly in the “no social media” camp, already navigating it with your teen, or you can feel the pressure creeping in… this episode gives you a clearer picture of what’s being built, how to use parameters that already exist, and what questions still deserve answers.

For access to more helpful tools and expert guidance, parents can visit https://familycenter.meta.com.

● Instagram Teen Accounts —now inspired by 13+ movie ratings—are designed to give parents peace of mind that their teens are safer with the right protections in place. Learn more about Instagram Teen Accounts at https://about.fb.com/news/2025/10/instagram-teen-accounts-pg-13-ratings/

● Support your family’s online experience with expert guidance and tools from Meta’s Family Center. Explore resources today, including Meta’s Screen Smart Program, at https://familycenter.meta.com.

This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media

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