Have you heard of a ‘Finsta’? ‘Finsta’ combines the term ‘fake’ and ‘Insta’ to describe a secondary Instagram account where the user’s identity is usually hidden and access is limited to only the user’s chosen friends or followers. This is a popular trend among younger audiences where they can generally focus on specific interests, such as photography or art, and feel more free to express themselves with their smaller batch of followers. However, there are potential risks that come with a younger person feeling more freedom in what they share online.

The Safer Schools NI App has a dedicated page focusing on Finstas, the reasons why a young people may create one in the first place, the risks associated with having a secondary, more private account and top tips on how you can speak to the children or young people in your care about Finstas in an appropriate manner.