Threads

How Threads works

Threads is a free microblogging social media app owned by Meta and linked to Instagram. Threads advertises itself as a text-based component to Instagram, though users can upload photos and videos too. The platform is very similar to X.

Users need an Instagram account to register for Threads. Any account settings on Instagram, including parental controls, will be imported to Threads as part of the account creation process. Users can also synchronise contacts, people they follow, and their followers from their Instagram accounts to Threads.

Minimum age requirements

Users must be aged at least 13 to use Threads. All accounts set up by users under 18 will default to a private setting. Users under 16 will be unable to adjust these safety settings. Safety settings rely on users providing their correct date of birth, showing them as under 18, so you should supervise your child while they create their account.

Features and terms

@mention

This refers to users directly tagging or ‘mentioning’ another user. A user will get an alert if they have been tagged or mentioned in this way.

Activity

This is the notifications tab that shows any new followers, mentions or replies a user receives.

Bot

Small programmes made by third-party developers that run within the app. They are designed to simulate human activity and complete repetitive tasks such as posting automated updates on specific accounts or advertising (spamming) on other users’ threads.

Carousel

A set of images or videos that are added to a thread. Users can add up to 20 images or videos to a carousel.

Fediverse

Social media platforms that are all interconnected. This means if a user posts on one social media platform in the fediverse, it is shared with all other relevant social media platforms.

Following

An area that only displays the threads or reposts from other users that are followed by the user.

For you

This area shows a curated selection of threads that may be of interest to the user.

Thread

A standard message up to 500 characters. It can be a written text, an image, a video, or a mix of these.

Verified

A verified user will have a blue checkmark that appears on their profile and posts. Users are verified for either being an account deemed notable and in the public interest, or a paid subscriber to Meta Verified.

What Threads offers

Threads was designed to be a competitor to X. It can be used in a similar way to X but has some additional security features for younger users. Under 18 accounts are automatically private, parental controls are available and there is tighter moderation on the platform.

Managing risks

Harm from other users

All content your child sees on Threads is generated by other users. Your child could be exposed to inappropriate or upsetting content and could also interact in the comment sections of posts with strangers looking to do harm.

You can take these steps to reduce the risk of harm from other users.

Set controls

You can use Meta’s parental controls as well as the account settings on the Threads app to make your child’s experience safer. You can limit who can comment on your child’s posts, mute words to the prevent them from appearing in their feed and set it so less sensitive content is shown to them.

Curate algorithm

Encourage your child to follow accounts that post positive and age-appropriate content. Using the ‘Not interested’ option on inappropriate posts will mean they will see less posts like this in the future. This will improve your child’s feed and algorithm.

Talk about their online life

Have conversations with your child about their online life, like you would their offline life. This can help you learn who your child is interacting with and what content they are exposed to while using Threads. Teach them what is and isn’t ok to share online. Tell them that they should inform you if anyone makes them uncomfortable online.

Use blocking and reporting tools

Teach your child to use the blocking and reporting tools if someone makes them uncomfortable. This prevents further contact and can make the platform safer for everyone.

Excessive screen time

Threads will keep providing endless content for users to view. This may result in some users spending hours on the platform scrolling through content.

These actions can help you balance your child’s screen time.

Set screen time limits

Using the Meta parental controls, you can set screen time settings to limit how long your child spends on Threads each day.

Discuss screen time

Come to an agreement with your child about how much time they can spend on the app each day. Encourage them to reflect upon how they feel when using the app, and to take breaks.

Settings to protect your child

If your child uses Threads, these settings can improve their experience on the platform.

Set up Supervision

On Instagram, go to your profile and select the 3 horizontal lines in the top right.
Scroll down to ‘Family Center’ and select ‘Supervision for Teen Accounts’.
Select ‘Get Started’ and proceed through instructions to invite your child.
On your child’s app, accept the invite to enable supervision.