Instagram Alerts Parents to Teen Suicide/Self-Harm Searches

Instagram will begin alerting parents when their teenagers repeatedly search for content related to suicide or self-harm. The new feature, launching next week in Canada, the U.S., Britain, and Australia, aims to offer support and resources to families. The platform already blocks such content from appearing in teen search results and directs users to helplines. This update represents a further step in protecting minors, particularly as governments – including Britain – consider broader online restrictions for young people. Meta, Instagram’s parent company, states the move is intended to help parents support their children. However, some safety campaigners have criticized the approach, accusing the company of shifting responsibility.