Instagram announced on Thursday that it will begin notifying parents if their teen repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm related content, as governments around the world increase pressure on social media platforms to improve child safety.
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The platform, owned by Meta Platforms, said the alerts will apply to parents who have enabled its optional supervision feature. The new measure aims to provide families with early warning signs and encourage timely support for teenagers who may be struggling.
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According to the company, the alerts will initially roll out next week in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Parents who are part of the supervision programme will receive notifications if their teen repeatedly searches for potentially harmful terms within a short period.
Instagram said the update builds on its existing safety policies, which already block certain harmful searches and direct users to mental health support resources. The company said its rules prohibit content that promotes or glorifies suicide or self-harm.
The announcement comes as governments worldwide consider stricter regulations to protect children online. Australia recently introduced a ban on social media use for children under 16, while several European countries, including Spain, Greece, and Slovenia, are also reviewing potential restrictions.
In Britain, authorities are exploring additional measures aimed at limiting harmful online content and strengthening protections for minors. These discussions reflect growing concerns about the impact of social media and emerging technologies on young users’ mental health and well-being.
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Instagram said its teen account system already includes built-in safety features requiring parental approval for certain changes. The new alerts are part of broader efforts to improve transparency and parental involvement in protecting teenagers online.