On Instagram’s new location-sharing feature

What the update could mean for your teen

Quick summary

• Instagram’s new Maps feature lets users share their “last active” location with friends they choose, and explore location-tagged posts from friends and creators
• For teens, location sharing can bring risks like social pressure, FOMO, and privacy concerns – parents will need to decide if it’s a good fit based on their child’s personality and circumstances
• If your teen uses Instagram, consider also setting them up with luna – a safe space where they can ask questions anonymously, learn how to navigate online life, and build the confidence to make healthy choices

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What is Instagram Maps and how does it work?

Instagram Maps is a new feature that lets users share their last active location with friends they choose, and explore location-tagged content from others.

Location sharing is optional and off by default, but can be turned on for specific friends or groups.

Key points for parents:

• Location sharing is off unless your teen opts in
• They can share with friends (mutual followers), Close Friends, selected friends, or no one
• Sharing can be turned off for specific people or locations
• Location updates whenever the app is opened or reopened in the background
• Parents with supervision enabled can control access, see who it’s shared with, and get alerts if it’s turned on
• Even without sharing their own location, teens can see tagged content on the map – including Reels, Stories, posts, and Notes from friends or creators, for 24 hours after posting

When will Instagram Maps be available in the UK?

Instagram says the feature is rolling out in the US first, with “more global availability soon”.

No confirmed UK launch date has been announced, so parents should keep an eye out for updates and check privacy settings regularly.

What parents need to know about potential risks of the Instagram Maps feature

For some teens, this might feel like a harmless way to connect. For others, it could bring:

• Social pressure to turn it on so they don’t feel left out
• FOMO if they see friends together without them
• Risks if their location is shared too widely

Dr. Katie Malbon, luna’s Chief Medical Advisor and Consultant Paediatrician, says of this update:

“In clinic, I often see how social dynamics can trigger or worsen anxiety in young people.

Something like location sharing might seem small, but if a teen feels left out or scrutinised because of where they are – or aren’t – it may heighten those feelings.

Over time, that social stress can have a real impact on mental health, affecting sleep, focus, and even physical wellbeing.”

A teen’s perspective on the Instagram Maps feature

Sophie*, 14, a luna community member from the UK, says: 

“We don’t have it here yet, but I’ve already seen people talking about it in my group chats.

I’m kind of nervous about it being switched on.

There’s already so much pressure to make your life look fun online, and this feels like it could make that worse.

Like, what if I’m having a day where I’m just doing nothing exciting…it’ll look boring or not cool.

And then if I see my friends out somewhere I can’t go, maybe because I wasn’t invited or I don’t have the money, it’s going to make me feel bad.

It’s enough pressure already to be “on” all the time without everyone knowing exactly where you are.”

(*Name changed to protect privacy)

Her thoughts highlight how, even before the global launch, the idea of location sharing can create anxiety for teens – not just around safety, but around social status, inclusion, and the constant expectation to be “doing something worth posting.”

How parents can support their teen with this Instagram Maps change

• Check settings together: walk through how to turn and keep Maps off, or at least limit sharing to Close Friends, or remove specific people
• Explain the ‘why’ of privacy: it’s not about hiding, it’s about keeping control over what you share
• Talk about emotional impact: seeing friends’ locations or events could trigger feelings of exclusion
• Reassure them it’s okay to say no: help them practise how to explain their choice to friends, and reassure them that others will definitely be feeling the same so it’s nothing they need to feel weird about opting out of
• Offer alternatives: suggest safe online spaces like luna where they can see what like-minded teens are thinking (via moderated, anonymous questions about health and wellbeing) without location tracking or peer to peer interaction

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Jas Schembri-Stothart, luna’s Co-Founder, says:

“This new Instagram feature, likely created with all good intentions, can still unfortunately come with downsides.

Something as simple as a map pin can become a source of comparison or self-doubt for a teen girl, especially if it feeds into the idea that they’re missing out or not included.

Helping them see that opting out is a valid choice is just as important as showing them how to use the tool safely.

It’s also why platforms like the luna app exist, to give teens a safe space to build confidence and connect without that constant social pressure."

How luna can help teens navigate online features like Instagram Maps

On the luna app, teens can explore expert-backed guides on online safety, peer pressure, and managing fear of missing out or being left out, all within a closed, supportive environment.

Anonymous Q&A, mood tracking, and wellbeing tools are designed specifically for girls and people with periods, helping them build confidence without comparison or pressure.

Rated 4.8

Support your teen through it all with luna

Find out more

So, should your teen use the new Instagram Maps feature?

Whether or not a teen should use Maps depends on their maturity, confidence with boundaries, and the dynamics of their friendships.

For some, sharing location with a small, trusted group may feel fine and even help them stay connected or even feel safe.

For others, it could add unnecessary stress, feed their fear of missing out, or put them in situations where they feel pressured to be “on” all the time.

Now you understand how the feature works, and some ways to approach a conversation, hopefully you can help your teen make mindful choices about location sharing.