Meta will begin alerting parents when a teen repeatedly searches for suicide or self-harm terms on Instagram, as part of the platform’s safety features for teen accounts.

The initiative starts in the United States, Britain, Australia, and Canada, with plans to roll out to additional countries later this year.

The move comes amid regulatory push and debates in Europe and Australia over restricting under-16 access to social networks.

The policy is presented within broader scrutiny of how social platforms protect children online.

Policymakers and parents are pressing for stronger safety measures, with ongoing debates about whether platforms prioritize profits over user safety.

Industry observers call this a landmark moment for social media regulation, likening it to a Big Tobacco-style turning point for tech.

Experts acknowledge the feature as thoughtful but emphasize the need for clear, actionable notifications and careful handling of alerts.

The article’s current material largely consists of sponsor and navigation links, with limited detail on timelines, data handling, consent, or exceptions.

Critics argue the tool shifts responsibility to parents and does not address underlying design flaws, urging broader protections beyond parental supervision.

Critics, including Fairplay’s Josh Golin, contend that safety should not rely solely on parental monitoring and should protect all teens, not just those enrolled by parents.

Resources for distress are provided, including the UK and ROI Samaritans, with ongoing policy discussions about safety, privacy, and free expression.

Regulators’ push for stronger protections for minors online reflects a shift toward balancing privacy, safety, and parental involvement.