Pinterest is a social media platform where users can search, save, and shop ideas. With over 10M boards and 1.5B pins per week there is never a shortage of content to spark new ideas. Users can use pins as a creative outlet by sharing their own content or personal website when posting their own pin. Learning how to use the app with a positive intention and safety settings will help students stay safe and Shine Online.

‍

‍

Educators and parents: Guide your students' reflection and discussion with this student worksheet. (Log in to your Google account and select File-->Make a Copy)

Overview video for parents & educators

What is Pinterest?

• Pinterest is a visual discovery tool that helps users find ideas for projects, hobbies, and interests
• Users search and browse through “pins” or posts relating to their topic of choice
• As users find pins they are interested in, they can save the pin to their own “boards” or folders for later reference, or upload pictures, links and descriptions to share with others

Why do students want to be on Pinterest?

• Pinterest can spark ideas and inspire students to try new things
• It can ignite students’ creativity
• Students can share their ideas on the main page or also share them with friends in a direct message on Pinterest or through Facebook, X, WhatsApp, or Messenger
• Students can make their own pins to promote their own website or personal work
• Teens can create a private board that is only visible by the user and those invited to it

What is Pinterest rated?

App Store: 12+

Google Play: T (Teen)

Terms of Service

Policies and guidelines

Pinterest is a publicly traded company and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA

Why should parents and educators care?

• Users must be 13+ years of age to create an account but the only verification is for students to enter their birthday during the account creation process
• Posts pinned by your student can appear when colleges search for your student’s name online
• There is some content that is not appropriate for kids on Pinterest such as pins that include nudity in the lingerie category or pictures of people drinking alcohol in the wine/beer section
• Pinterest accounts (especially those that are under real names) are searchable online and Google can find them
• Pinterest has become a new type of online shopping site. Most of the pins of clothing, shoes and cosmetic products are linked to online stores or blog posts
• Students can create a private board that can only be accessed by themselves and those they invited

What can parents & educators do?

• If students under 13 create an account parents or guardians can report the account to Pinterest and request it be deleted
• Search for your student on Google using these terms: First name + Last name + Pinterest
• Search for your student on Pinterest.com and make sure each board and pin is something you want a college to find
• Have an open dialogue with your student regarding what content is appropriate to view and share online

Parent & student training videos

How to Set up Pinterest: A Guide for Students

How to Shine Online with your "Pins"

Creating a Pinterest account

• Users can create a Pinterest account using an email address or Facebook account
• A real name or a nickname can be used
• After registering, users can connect their Pinterest account to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and other email accounts

How to edit message settings

Users can receive direct messages from followers, collaborators, and those they follow, but settings can be adjusted to be more restrictive. 

• On your computer, log in to your Pinterest account
• Click the down arrow icon next to your profile photo at the top-right
• Select Settings
• Select Social permissions
• Under Messages, click Edit next to the group you'd like to manage message settings for
• Choose your preferred message setting
• Click Save

How to submit a report on Pinterest

• Open the profile, pin, or board you'd like to report
• Click on the three dots on the comment, message, account, or board name
• Click Report
• Select your reason for reporting then click Next
• Click Report to confirm

How to make a profile private

Private profiles won't appear in search results on Pinterest or in search engines, but you can invite people you know to follow you (Source: Pinterest) Profiles under age 16 do not have the option to be public

• Log in to your Pinterest account
• Click the down arrow icon at the top-right corner to open your menu
• Click Settings
• Click Profile visibility at the left side of the screen
• ‍Toggle the switch next to Private profile

Improving search results with Pinterest

• Use your real name. Example: Josh Ochs
• Choose a good username avoiding underscores and dashes. Example: @JoshOchs
• Link to your other social profiles/your personal url. Example: https://JoshOchs.com
• Post consistently
• Write meaningful captions that showcase your knowledge or gratitude
• Curate Pinterest boards to highlight your knowledge around your area of study or industry
• Brand in a positive way for your college or career
• Write a clear bio
• Post a good clear photo of you in your profile picture. Use this photo as your profile picture across all of your other social media accounts

What should students post?

• Pin content from your personal website, articles or tutorials from your industry, interviews with thought leaders in your area of study, or helpful content
• Students should also consider using Pinterest to curate a “mood board” for their own personal brand
• Avoid pinning content from controversial sources, negative commentary, or inappropriate images  
• Consider your Pinterest profile an extension of your resume

More resources for parents, students, & educators

Instagram App Guide: What Parents, Educators, & Students Need to Know

YouTube and Tweens: Tips for Families to Use YouTube Safely

Parental Controls on Student Devices: What Parents & Educators Need to Know

Parents' Ultimate Guide to Snapchat

Conclusion 

Pinterest is a fun place to get ideas for hobbies and projects as well as an extension of a student's resume. Pins should be considered a permanent part of their online reputation, even if they think it is hidden or secret. It is important to have an open dialogue with your teen about their goals and what is appropriate to view and share online.