Instagram Threads Guide (2026): What Parents, Educators, & Students Need to Know

Instagram Threads is a social media app created by Meta, the same company that owns Instagram and Facebook. It’s designed to be a conversational space, like Twitter (now called X) — where users post short messages, photos, or videos and interact through replies and discussions.

From this guide, parents will learn what Threads is, why teens are using it, the pros and cons of the app, and how to use it safely.

What is the Threads app? (Parent video)

What is Threads?

• Threads is a social media platform that is owned by Meta (the same company behind Instagram and Facebook), now exceeding 130 million users (Source: Business of Apps)
• Messages or “threads” can include text, photos, videos, and links 
• Threads is similar to X (formerly known as Twitter), offering a 500-character limit
• Users log in using their Instagram accounts, allowing them to follow the same people, causing their accounts to grow rapidly
• Users under the age of 18 are not permitted to use direct messaging through Threads
• When signing up, users aged 13-17 will be defaulted to a private account; users aged 16-17 can change their account to public
• As of October 2025, Threads offers “communities” that are created by Meta. These communities are pages that users are interested in, and will appear at the top of their profile
• Threads includes a new “ghost feature” that allows users to post updates that automatically disappear after 24 hours

Is Threads safe for kids/teens?

• Any images and videos can be shared on Threads, so users may be exposed to harmful content in their feed
• It is easy for students to talk to strangers on Threads, even without the use of direct messages, so students may come into contact with online predators 
• Bullying and online shaming are possible on any social media platform, and since Threads encourages uncurated content, students may share hurtful comments without thinking them through

What can parents do?

• Parents can encourage their children to set their Threads profile to private 
• Ensure students are using an accurate birthday/year, as the age restrictions for under 18 will be applied automatically
• Set screen time limits using Meta's Family Center to help with screen time management with both Threads and Instagram
• While there are no actual parental controls, parents can mute, block, or report others who are sharing inappropriate/harmful content
• Custom filtering allows parents to filter offensive words or phrases 
• Talk to students about safe practices regarding social media and remind them that they can talk to you if they feel unsafe

What are the differences between X (Twitter) and Threads?

• Threads requires an Instagram account to use, while X is a standalone account 
• Videos on Threads can be up to 5 minutes 
• X has a broader public broadcast, whereas Threads is more follower-centric

How does Instagram’s Threads app work?

• Each post is called a “thread” and is limited to 500 characters
• You can reply to a thread, “rethread” it so it is shared on your own feed (either with or without adding your own commentary) and tag other users
• Images, videos, and gifs can be attached to threads posts (with a 5-minute limit), but there is no built-in gif library to choose from
• Threads can be shared to your Instagram stories, Instagram feed, through text messages, and other apps so students need to be aware that the potential reach of each thread is huge
• Screen time limits can be set through your phone’s existing parental controls and/or directly within the Threads app
• Instagram states that while using Threads, users must comply with the Instagram Community Guidelines for all content that they upload or share.  Access the Community Guidelines here

Parental controls on Instagram’s Threads

There are limited parental controls for Threads accounts but Meta does offer some safeguards for younger users. 

• Users can set their Threads profile to private, which means they will have to approve anyone who is able to view their account
• Offensive words and phrases can be filtered as can custom words and phrases that users can add in themselves
• Users can mute, block, restrict, or report people they follow who are sharing harmful content

How to create a private Threads profile

• Click the two lines in the upper right of your Threads profile
• Go to “Privacy”
• Click the slider next to “private profile” and confirm that you want to switch to a private profile
• Only approved followers will be able to see and interact with your content

How to filter offensive words and phrases on Threads

• Click the two lines in the upper right of your Threads profile
• Go to “Privacy”
• Click “Hidden Words”
• Click “on” under “Offensive words and phrases”
• To add custom words and phrases on your account click “on” under “custom words and phrases” then click “manage custom words and phrases” to enter any additional content you’d like to filter

How to Mute/Block/Restrict/Report users on Threads

• If students come across a user who is sharing harmful content, they have the option to mute/block/restrict/report the account
• To do this, click on the users profile name
• Click the three dots in the top right corner of the users profile page
• Select whether you’d like to mute/block/restrict/report the account
• An account that is muted will remain muted until the user follows the same process to unmute the account 

How to set screen time limits on Instagram’s Threads

• Users can self-monitor screen time by having Threads set reminders to take a break by going to “account”, “take a break”, and selecting either 10, 20, or 30 minute reminders
• Just like with Instagram accounts, parents can use Meta's Family Center to monitor screen time and set limits for the Threads app
• SmartSocial.com recommends using both the in-app screen time limit settings as well as screen time settings through your phone, whether you use Apple parental controls or Android Digital Wellbeing

Additional information about Threads:

What is Threads rated?

Additional info: Owned by Meta
Apple App Store Rating: 13+
Google Play Rating: T (Teen)

Threads in the News

Meta, meanwhile, is responsible for creating the communities on its app; it doesn’t allow users to make their own. Plus, non-members can join in community discussions - TechCrunch

More than 100 million users have joined Meta’s new Threads platform, a feat the Twitter rival has achieved in less than five days, making the Twitter competitor the fastest-growing online platform in history. - Forbes

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Conclusion

Meta’s Threads app probably won't replace Twitter, but it looks likely to give it a serious run for its money based on the initial growth we are currently seeing. This app will most certainly evolve as time goes on with additional features, algorithm changes, and additional parental controls. Parents should use caution when giving students access to Threads since it is still unclear how safe the app is and what risks it may have for younger users. 

Additional Resources

Instagram App Guide: What Parents Need to Know

X (formerly Twitter) App Guide: What Parents, Educators, & Students Need to Know

How to Optimize Parental Controls: Balancing Safety & Privacy for Families