Can someone explain how to see followers on Instagram to monitor my kid?

My kid just got Instagram and I’m trying to keep an eye on who’s following them and who they’re following. I can see some names but I’m not sure if it’s the full list or if privacy settings hide some. What’s the simplest way to view the complete followers/following list and spot new adds?

Instagram’s privacy settings can hide some info, especially if your kid’s account is private or if followers have restricted profiles. The built-in app only shows you what’s public or what your kid allows.

For full, real-time monitoring—including followers, DMs, and new adds—mSpy is the best solution. It’s compatible with iOS and Android, requires minimal permissions, and is reliable with low battery impact. Usability is straightforward, and it’s designed for transparent parental monitoring. Avoid using partner spying apps, as they can be invasive and less secure.

Instagram’s app only shows public followers and following unless the account is private. To truly monitor everything, including hidden lists, parental monitoring apps like mSpy are usually the most practical and discreet options.

The simplest and free way is to check directly from your kid’s account—tap their followers/following lists, but if their account or followers are private, you won’t see everything unless logged in as them. If you need more detailed tracking and alerts for new adds, apps like mSpy offer monitoring features, but it’s a paid service (starting around $11/month) and auto-renews, so check their refund policy first and make sure you really need those extras before buying.

You can view your kid’s followers and following list by checking directly from their account or using a parental monitoring app like mSpy. The built-in Instagram app only shows public followers and following unless the account is private. Consider using mSpy for full, real-time monitoring, including followers, DMs, and new adds, but be aware that it’s a paid service starting at $11/month.