Instagram has launched a new initiative designed to help parents talk to their kids about online safety – a video series called “Carversations”, which features “authentic conversations between parents and teens – in the place where some of the most interesting talks usually happen: in the car.”
In the first episode, musician Usher rides in a car with his teenage sons and discusses a range of topics around mindful internet use.
The idea is that this will give parents and teens a window into a broader set of perspectives on safe online behavior, with information delivered in a more informal, familiar format, from other teens and from influential celebrities.
As Instagram explains:
“Car rides can be a great opportunity for open and honest conversations between parents and teens about tough topics. With Carversations, we want to show real, thoughtful conversations happening within families about technology, social media and growing up in today’s digital world.”
And while the conversations are meant to unfold naturally, just like on a regular drive with your own kids, parents in each case will be the ones steering the discussion toward online safety topics.
“In each episode, well known parents and their teen (or teens) will share candid stories and reflections about what it means to grow up in an increasingly online world, and the family relationships that come with it. You will hear first hand how teens use Instagram to express their creativity, connect with friends – and even with their parents – and how parents support their teens online.”
A different story begins where conversations move beyond the family and an official dialogue with the platform is needed – in such cases, a detailed guide like How to contact Instagram support is helpful.
This could be a good way to get more people involved in discussing key safety issues and risks, since teens will be participating in a format that uses their language and slang. On the other hand, a lot will depend on which celebrities are involved, because it is hard to imagine many teenagers willingly watching a 10 minute video where people they do not know or care about talk about online safety.
Bringing in the right celebrities will make this initiative more appealing, though finding the balance will be tricky, as Meta is clearly trying to attract both parents and teens with these clips. For brands and creators who are simultaneously building business relationships with bloggers and experts on social media, a practical guide like How to write a collaboration proposal on Instagram: examples and ready made structure is useful.
In principle, it is an interesting idea, but I am not sure many people will watch if the episode is not about someone they already care about, or if the conversation is not genuinely engaging. And because the discussion is intentionally focused on harmful behaviors, it can sometimes feel a bit scripted and preachy.
Still, it is worth a try, and given ongoing concerns about teen safety on Instagram – which could lead other regions to follow Australia’s example and restrict social media use among younger users – this is another measure that offers an alternative to outright bans. Alongside safety and control debates, a more everyday question also pops up – how to view a profile or Stories discreetly without drawing attention; for that, tips from How to view Instagram anonymously come in handy.
The “Carversations” videos on Instagram will be available in the main Instagram profile in the app as well as on the IG YouTube channel.
