Questions to prompt discussion with students:

Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Elementary School Students (SEL Questions):

Meet Chris and Alex

• The video describes two kids with two very different ways of using Instagram. How would you explain the difference between Mark and Chris’ typical posts? ‍

How People You Admire Use Instagram

• Think about influencers, athletes, actors, and other famous people you might follow on Instagram. Can you name one whose posts reflect positive values or promote positive causes? 

Never Too Early 

• Why is it important to start thinking now about how to post things on Instagram that will reflect your best self? 

Posts that Shine

• Can you name an example of something you could post on Instagram that would show positive things you’re involved with?

Middle School Students (SEL Questions):

Your Posts and Your Reputation

• Why would a college-admissions counselor or potential employer care what you post on your own social-media accounts and on your own time? 

Future-Ready Feed

• How can you start early to develop the habit of using social media in a forward-thinking way, knowing that colleges and potential employers may one day assess you based on the impression you make online? 

Choosing Wisely What to Post

• Sometimes it’s tempting to post everything that interests us without thinking about who might see it down the road. What are some examples of posts you think would make you an attractive college/job applicant vs. posts that either won’t stand out at all or worse, reflect poorly on you? 

Showing Your Best Self

• What unique skills or hobbies of yours could you show in an Instagram post to help you stand out to colleges and employers?

High School Students (SEL Questions):

Your Instagram Resume

• How can you tailor your Instagram posts to reflect qualities that would make you stand out among competing school and  job applicants? 

Personal Values on Display

• The video we just watched  mentions that some of Amazon’s corporate values include diversity, equity, and inclusion. What are some things you could post that authentically demonstrate you share these values? 

Elevate Your Profile

• Imagine you have 30 seconds to impress a future employer scrolling through your Instagram. What three aspects of your profile would you want them to notice? 

Striking the Right Tone

• How can you tailor a post that shows your unique interests and skills in the most positive light, without looking self-promotional?

Additional Instagram resources

• Apple Parental Controls (iPhones and Other Apple Devices)
• Android Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls: Complete Guide for Parents
• Google Play Parental Controls: How to Block Mature Apps & Media
• Google Family Link Guide for Parents & Educators
• Family Media Dialogue Guide and Agreement Templates
• ‍How to use Instagram to impress colleges (video and tips)
• Instagram & Snapchat Safety Tips
• How to Discuss Instagram Safety with Students
• New Instagram & Snapchat Features Parents Need to Know
• Use Instagram to Impress College Admission Officers
• How to Make Instagram & Snapchat Safe for Kids
• How to Set Up Instagram: a Guide for Students
• How to Build a Positive Teen Instagram Profile
• What Parents Need to Know about Instagram's Threads

Conclusion

Instagram can have a positive impact on your student’s digital footprint, as long as they are using it responsibly. Parents should have conversations with their students about appropriate behavior in the app and monitor their student’s Instagram accounts and who they are in direct communication with.

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