How to Block Adult Content on Instagram? (Step-by-Step Guide for Safer Browsing)

Instagram may limit 18+ content, but it doesn’t mean your child is fully protected. Knowing how to block Adult Content on Instagram (& why) is essential because they could be exposed to suggestive inputs that skirt content moderation and no nudity policy.

Why wait too long? Don’t skip this article to set up protective approaches against explicit posts, sexualized imagery, and even pornographic data that affect your child’s mental health and behavior.

(4) Strategies to Block 18+ Content on Instagram & Why to Use Them?

Whether you use Instagram’s built-in options or a parental control app, there are several ways to block adult content on Instagram and keep your family safe from explicit material. Let’s cover them.

Using Instagram’s Built-In Content Control Features

Instagram provides content filtering tools that can help limit exposure to inappropriate material, although these methods may not catch everything.

1. Access Instagram Settings: Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap the three horizontal lines to access Instagram privacy settings.
2. Enable Sensitive Content Control: In the “What you see” section, navigate to Content Preferences and select the “Sensitive Content” option. Set this to “Less” to block suggestive content from appearing in Explore, Search, Reels, and Recommendations.
3. Adjust Interactions and Comments: Under “How others can interact with you,” choose who can comment on your posts, tag you, and filter offensive words. This can help block inappropriate interactions and comments from unknown accounts. In addition, use Instagram’s comment filtering tools to block comments with custom keywords, emojis, or slurs.
4. Switch to a Private Account: A private Instagram account ensures that only approved followers can view your content. This allows you to control who can see your posts and stories, making it harder for inappropriate content to reach you or your kids.
5. Block or Report Inappropriate Content: If you encounter explicit content or inappropriate posts, use Instagram’s “Block” or “Report” feature to flag harmful content and keep it away from your feed.
6. Enable Supervision for Teens: Parents can take advantage of Instagram supervision for parents by sending an invitation to their teen. Once accepted, you can monitor their activity without seeing private messages. This is a great way to ensure safe browsing for kids on Instagram.

Utilizing Browser Extensions to Block Adult Content on Instagram

For users who prefer an additional layer of protection, browser extensions can help block 18+ content while using Instagram on a desktop.

These extensions can be tailored to block specific types of content, including pornography blockers or suggestive material. However, they only work on the browser version and won’t apply to the Instagram mobile app.

1. Install a Website Blocker: Extensions like BlockerX can help limit access to adult content. These extensions are free and straightforward to set up. These browser extensions let you filter with keywords and prevent access to explicit imagery or suggestive posts.
2. Customize the Filters: Once installed, you can personalize the settings to block explicit posts on Instagram or any websites that display inappropriate material.
3. Apply Instagram-Specific Filters: Some extensions let you add filters specifically for Instagram, ensuring that suggestive content stays out of your feed.

How to Use BlockerX (on Chrome)

1. Visit the Chrome Web Store and search for “BlockerX.”
2. Could you install and activate it?
3. Customize settings to filter suggestive content on Instagram, block adult keywords, and restrict specific web URLs.

Employing a Parental Control App  

For more robust protection, especially on mobile, consider parental control apps for Instagram like AirDroid Parental Control or Canopy. These apps allow parents to:

• Monitor social content detection to catch keywords or triggers related to adult content.
• Use App Detection Management to target Instagram.
• Activate Block Mode via the managed browser.
• Add adult or explicit websites to a blocklist.
• Enable Instagram supervision so parents can view account activity and flag harmful interactions.

• AirDroid is ideal for Android users, while Canopy also offers real-time porn blocking on iOS and Android.

Setting Up DNS Content Filtering (Network-Wide)

Want to protect all devices at home? Try a DNS content filter. Services like OpenDNS FamilyShield allow you to block adult websites across your entire Wi-Fi network, including when Instagram is accessed via the web. How to use OpenDNS FamilyShield:

1. Go to your router settings (often http://192.168.0.1).
2. Replace the default DNS with:
   • Primary DNS: 208.67.222.123
   • Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.123
3. Save and test it at https://welcome.opendns.com

This method reinforces Instagram adult content blockers at the network level and helps prevent exposure to pornographic sites linked via bios or DMs.

• Extra Tip: Enhance your child’s safety by maintaining open communication about their online experiences and staying informed about evolving digital risks and protection tools.

Finalizing

To safeguard your children from inappropriate material, adopting a multi-layered approach to enhance your ability to block adult content on Instagram, maintain a safe online environment, and help protect their mental health and well-being is essential.

Don’t wait for a potential issue; take proactive steps now to ensure a safer Instagram experience for your children. The sooner you act, the better equipped you’ll be to keep inappropriate content at bay.

How do you currently monitor your child’s Instagram account? What steps are most important in “How to Block Adult Content on Instagram?” Let’s start a conversation!

How do I stop seeing adult content on Instagram?

Instagram’s “Sensitive Content Control” can be set to “Less” to limit adult content.

Why can’t I see 18+ content on Instagram?

18+ content may be blocked due to Instagram’s safety settings or filters.

Why is Instagram showing adult content?

Adult content may sometimes bypass Instagram’s moderation due to unclear guidelines.

What is sensitive content on Instagram?

Sensitive content refers to posts that may include suggestive or disturbing material unsuitable for some users.

How do I get 18+ content on Instagram?

Turning off the “Sensitive Content Control” will allow access to more explicit content.