What it is
Pinterest is where people save images of hobbies, clothes, rooms, and ideas. Many children use it to browse, not to chat. That is why the score stays low.
Search can still bring up adult images, and the app has messages. A board that looks like “outfits” can slide into content that is not for their age.
What to look out for
- Message requests.
- Boards that have shifted into body, dating, or adult themes.
- A profile with their full name and school.
- Following strangers who then try to move the chat elsewhere.
Ways to stay safe
These steps are for Pinterest. The house rules still apply on every app.
- Use a private profile and turn off messages from people they do not follow.
- Set search and content filters as tightly as the app allows.
- Keep their real name and school off the account.
- If they are young, sit with them the first few searches so you can see what comes up.
In the news
Published reports you can read yourself. A headline is the proof, not a set of instructions, and this page does not repeat graphic detail.
- Criminals are using private messaging to groom children This NSPCC release is about Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. Pinterest is calmer than a chat network, and messages and search can still go wrong.
A way to start the conversation
You can say: "Saving ideas is fine. Messaging a stranger about them is not. If a picture makes you uncomfortable, you can tell me and we will block that kind of search."
Video
Parent briefing
A short video for this guide can be added by an editor. Until then, the written briefing above is the one to use.