Instagram will now notify parents if their teen repeatedly searches for suicide or self-harm related terms within a short period.

The feature applies to teens enrolled in the platform’s parental supervision tools. Parents will receive alerts via email, text message, WhatsApp, and in-app notifications.

The alert will inform parents if their teen has repeatedly attempted to search harmful phrases such as “suicide” or “self-harm.” It will also provide expert-backed resources to help parents start supportive conversations.

Instagram says most teens do not search for such content. The platform already blocks harmful search results and redirects users to helplines. However, repeated attempts will now trigger parental alerts.

The system was developed after analysing search behaviour and consulting child safety experts to avoid unnecessary notifications.

The feature will roll out in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada first, with more regions expected later this year.

Instagram is also working on similar alerts for certain AI-based conversations.