Preteens Using Instagram

Written by JC Thompson

Instagram is a huge thing right now with preteens. In my ministry, Switch, our students are posting on Instagram multiple times a day. Like most trends in technology, parents and people that work with preteens must take notice.

What is Instagram?

It’s a fast, beautiful and fun app (free) that allows you to share photos with friends and family. Snap a picture, choose a filter to transform its look and feel, then post to Instagram. Share to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr too – it’s as easy as pie. It’s photo sharing, reinvented.

Here are a few things that I’ve seen as a result of this new place where preteens spend time.

1. Bullying

If you haven’t already figured it out, bullying is a serious thing. Instagram is another venue where bullying rears it’s ugly head. Here’s a story from a parenting blog about a bullying incident that took place on Instagram.

2. Announcements are successful

I take pictures of a note that I make in the notes app with the information for events. So simple, but preteens love it and share it with their friends. #WIN

3. Creativity happens

Students that are a little more introverted really show their personality through instagram. The pictures that they take, the things that they create are really, really cool and a great way to get to know your preteens better.

So how about you? Are you a fan of Instagram or not? How can you use this for your preteens?

JC Thompson is preteen pastor at Switch, a 5th/6th grade ministry at Brookwood Church in Simpsonville, SC. Check out his blog, JCISONLINE.com, which has a focus on preteen ministry. Very cool blog.