Attention Parents and Caregivers,
This morning, a new feature quietly appeared on Instagram called “Share Location With.”
It’s very similar to Snapchat’s Snap Map, and it allows users to share their real-time location using the GPS on their phone. This new update can pinpoint a user’s location with remarkable accuracy, and that has significant implications when it comes to your child’s safety online.
When activated, this feature allows Instagram users to choose who can see their live location using one of four options:
- Mutual Followers
- Close Friends
- Specific Accounts
- Invisible Mode
While some older teens and adults might use this feature responsibly, we urge caution, particularly for younger teens. Our strong recommendation: Set the feature to “Invisible Mode.” This disables location sharing entirely and ensures your teen’s whereabouts aren’t being broadcast to others.
How to Access and Adjust the “Share Location With” Feature
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap on your DM (Direct Messages) icon.
- At the top, you’ll see a new icon labeled “Map” (likely highlighted with a blue “New” tag). Tap it.
- Scroll through the introductory instructions until you reach the “Share Location With” screen.
- Select “Invisible Mode” to turn off location sharing.
It might seem like a harmless or even fun feature, but sharing real-time location data can lead to serious privacy and safety risks, especially if it’s visible to the wrong people. Unfortunately, many young users might opt into location sharing without fully understanding who can see their data or how that information could be misused.
As always, it’s not about fear, it’s about awareness and proactive parenting. We recommend checking your child’s settings together and using this as a conversation starter about privacy, boundaries, and digital safety.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter Team
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
