Threads: Features and Cyber Internet Safety Considerations

Threads is a text-focused social media app created by Meta, designed to connect users through real-time conversation. Launched in 2023, Threads is tightly integrated with Instagram, combining a Twitter-like format with your existing IG contacts. While it may seem like a fresh take on social media, Threads is not a safe space for children or younger teens.

Cyber Safety Cop strongly advises parents to delay their child’s use of this platform. Despite some built-in protections, Threads exposes minors to mature content, social pressure, and online risks—and lacks the oversight tools needed for safe, age-appropriate use.

 

Key Features of Threads  

• Text-Based Feed – Threads centers on short posts, replies, and real-time conversations, similar to X (formerly Twitter).

• Instagram Integration – Users log in using their existing Instagram accounts, meaning connections, followers, and profile data carry over.

• Explore Feed – Users see posts from people they follow and others they don’t, increasing exposure to unknown accounts and content.

• No Direct Messaging (Yet) – Threads doesn’t currently offer private messaging, but comments and replies still allow public interaction.

 

Cyber Internet Safety Concerns for Parents  

😲 Harmful Content  

While Meta has promised strong community guidelines, content moderation remains inconsistent.

Threads can expose kids to:

• Sexualized or suggestive material

• Hate speech or inappropriate humor

• Misinformation and toxic conversations

Even without a search or hashtag feature, children can still stumble into explicit or upsetting content through the algorithm-curated feed. Cyber Safety Cop warns that the lack of reliable content filtering makes Threads unsafe for minors.

🚨 Predation Risks  

Although Threads does not currently support private messaging, that doesn’t eliminate predation risks:

• Predators can still interact publicly via comments or replies.

• Children can be encouraged to move conversations to other apps (like Instagram DMs or Snapchat).

• Profiles are easily viewable, and users can be tagged, followed, or contacted.

Cyber Safety Cop emphasizes that public replies and social visibility still create dangerous contact points for online predators.

🔒 Privacy & Data Concerns  

Threads is built on top of Instagram, meaning it:

• Inherits Instagram’s data practices, including extensive tracking and behavior analysis.

• Allows only limited privacy controls, such as making a profile private or hiding likes.

• Still collects user data, which could be used to personalize feeds or advertisements across Meta’s platforms.

This structure creates privacy gaps for younger users, especially those unaware of how their data is being collected or used.

 

Parental Controls: Limited and Unlockable  

Threads offers several safety settings for minors:

• Private profile by default (under age 16)

• Control over mentions, comments, and who can interact with posts

• Blocking and hidden word filters

However:

• These controls are not password-protected and can be changed by the child at any time.

• Parents do not receive alerts or visibility into their child’s Threads activity.

Cyber Safety Cop recommends not relying on these settings alone. They are not secure or sufficient for ensuring your child’s online safety.

 

Cyber Internet Safety Recommendations for Parents  

📵 1. No Smartphones Before High School  

Giving a smartphone too early opens the door to apps like Threads, where content and conversations can spiral out of control. For middle schoolers, stick with flip phones or smartwatches for basic communication.

🚫 2. No Social Media Before Age 16  

Threads functions as a social media platform with dynamic conversations, public profiles, and social comparison. Kids under 16 are not emotionally or socially ready for these pressures. Waiting supports healthier self-esteem and emotional development.

🔐 3. Use a Parental Control Tool Like OurPact  

To help protect your child:

• Block Threads entirely if needed

• Limit screen time and set usage windows

• Monitor device activity to catch risks early

OurPact gives parents more control than Threads’ built-in tools and helps enforce boundaries that support digital well-being.

🧠 4. Educate Your Child Through a Digital Citizenship Course  

Help your child understand:

• How to spot online manipulation

• The risks of sharing personal information

• Why it’s important to think before posting

Cyber Safety Cop recommends enrolling kids in a Digital Citizenship Course for grades 4–8 to build strong online habits early.

 

Final Verdict: Is Threads Safe for Kids?  

No. Threads may appear less chaotic than other platforms, but it’s still a text-based social media app with public exposure, content risks, and limited controls. It’s tightly connected to Instagram, lacks secure parental settings, and opens the door to online dangers.

 

Cyber Safety Cop’s Clear Recommendations:  

• 🚫 Do not allow children under 16 to use Threads

• 📵 Delay smartphone access until high school

• 🔐 Use tools like OurPact to block or monitor app use

• 🧠 Prioritize education and open communication around online safety

There are far safer ways for teens to learn, connect, and grow—without the risks that come with platforms like Threads.