A lawyer re-wrote Instagram's privacy policy for kids, and we've learned so much.

In Australia, 30 per cent teenagers consider Instagram their “most important” social network. It’s almost like an addiction: Nearly 40 per cent of those aged 13 to 24 browse Instagram before falling asleep. Thirty-three per cent check their feed as soon as they wake up.

In the UK, research has shown more than half of teenagers aged 12 to 15 are using Instagram. A similar figure is likely seen in Australia, where 54 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 are on the photo-sharing platform.

But how many teenagers know what they’ve signed up for?

Almost none, according to new research out of the UK conducted by the Children’s Commissioner.

The Instagram Terms and Conditions, followed by a little blue box to tick, is 17 pages long and around 5000 words. And no one reads the fine print.

Do any of us know what we signed up for?

“Good parenting” disclaimers on Instagram. Post continues below.

With more and more young people online, using Instagram and other social platforms as a way to connect (52 per cent of Instagram users); build identity (63 per cent of users); and discover their place in the world, understanding the privacy rights around that life-online has never been more important.

The UK report, called Growing Up Digital, drafted new Terms and Conditions better suited to kids. (And adults like me who never look properly at any document before signing and have panic attacks about going to the optometrist every time they’re fronted with those small, almost un-readable blocks of text.)

The re-written policy uses clear language and makes the implications of each point clear  – for example, “We can delete posts randomly, without telling you, for any reason. If we do this, we will not be responsible for paying out any money and you won’t have any right to complain.”

Most importantly, it’s two pages, and 872 words.

Here are some of the draft’s standouts (emphasis is ours):

Officially you own any original pictures and videos you post, but we are allowed to use them, and we can let others use them as well, anywhere around the world. Other people might pay us to use them and we will not pay you for that.

It will be assumed that you own what you post, and what you post does not break the law. If it does, and you are fined, you will have to pay that fine.

Although you are responsible for the information you put on Instagram, we may keep, use and share your personal information with companies connected with Instagram. This information includes your name, email address, school, where you live, pictures, phone number, your likes and dislikes, where you go, who your friends are, how often you use Instagram, and any other personal information we find such as your birthday or who you are chatting with, including in private messages (DMs).

When you delete your account, we keep this personal information about you, and your photos, for as long as is reasonable for our business purposes.

We might send you adverts connected to your interests which we are monitoring. You cannot stop us doing this and it will not always be obvious that it is an advert.

We can change or end Instagram, or stop you accessing Instagram at any time, for any reason and without letting you know in advance. We can also delete posts and other content randomly, without telling you, for any reason. If we do this, we will not be responsible for paying out any money and you won’t have any right to complain.

Although you do not own your data, we do own ours. You may not copy and paste Instagram logos or other stuff we create, or remove it or try to change it.

You can close your Instagram account. If you do, your photos, posts and profile will disappear from your account but if anyone has shared your photos or personal details, or if we have used them ourselves for any reason, they might still appear on Instagram. We will also keep all the data we already have from you and can use it as explained above.

We can change these rules whenever we like by posting an update on Instagram, whether you notice it or not.

All of a sudden, the reason for the huge blocks of condensed text becomes clear. It’s all a disguise to hide the most powerful, potential-bully in the school yard.

Shaping kids into good people by checking their phones. Post continues below.

The researchers then showed the simplified Terms and Conditions to a group of teenagers.

Their reactions?

“I would use Direct Messaging a lot less if I knew they could read them.” – Amy, 13. (Wouldn’t we all, Amy. Wouldn’t we all.)

“It made me realise just how much of my personal data I am giving to a random company without realising.” – Ben, 16.

“I’m deleting Instagram because it’s weird.” – Alex, 13

“If they made it [the Terms and Conditions] more easy then people would actually read it and think twice about the app.” – Amy, 13.

Well said, Amy who is 13 and already clued in. Well said.