Instagram is introducing a new feature to alert parents if their teen repeatedly searches for terms related to suicide or self-harm.
This update applies to families using Instagram’s parental supervision tools and teens’ supervised accounts.
Until now, Instagram would block harmful search results and guide teens to support resources.
With the new system, parents will be directly notified if certain search patterns are detected, adding an extra layer of awareness.
How the Alerts Work
Alerts are triggered if a teen repeatedly searches for suicide- or self-harm-related terms within a short period.
Notifications are sent only to parents enrolled in Instagram’s supervision program.
Parents may receive alerts via email, text, WhatsApp, or Instagram, depending on the contact information available.
Meta said the system is designed to “err on the side of caution”, meaning some alerts may be sent even if there is no immediate risk.
Instagram will continue to block harmful content from teen searches and direct users to helplines and support pages.
The alerts do not replace these safeguards, but instead keep parents informed.
Mixed Reactions from Charities
The move has received mixed responses:
The Molly Rose Foundation criticised it, warning that forced notifications could cause panic and leave parents unprepared for tough conversations.
The suicide prevention charity Papyrus welcomed the update but said stronger measures are needed to prevent harmful content from reaching teens in the first place.
Growing Pressure on Social Media
This update comes as social media platforms face increasing scrutiny over child safety.
Meta is dealing with legal challenges in the US and governments worldwide are reviewing stricter rules for young users online.
Meta is also working on alerts for cases where teens discuss suicide or self-harm with Instagram’s AI tools, with more details expected in the coming months.
