Instagram to Notify Parents of Concerning Searches

New feature aims to help parents address mental health issues

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Instagram is rolling out an update that will notify parents when their child repeatedly searches for content related to suicide or self-harm. The move comes as Meta faces legal claims that its platforms have harmed young users. Advocates and counselors say the update is a step in the right direction, but more protections are still needed across social media.

Why it matters

This update highlights the growing concerns around the mental health impacts of social media, especially on young users. While the new feature provides parents with more visibility, experts say open communication and comprehensive protections are still crucial to addressing these complex issues.

The details

The new Instagram feature will be part of the platform's parental supervision program. When a child repeatedly searches for content related to suicide or self-harm, parents enrolled in the program will receive a notification along with resources on how to have conversations about sensitive mental health topics. Experts say these conversations are important, but parents should be prepared to hear difficult things from their children.

  • Instagram plans to roll out the new update next week.

The players

Dr. Wallace Jackmon

An Avera psychologist who discusses the connection between social media use and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Angela Kennecke

The founder of Emily's Hope, a nonprofit that is hosting a documentary screening about the harms of social media on children.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's a connection between how much time you spend on social media and your smartphone and anxious and depressive features. One major depressive feature is suicidal thoughts, suicidal ideation.”

— Dr. Wallace Jackmon, Avera Psychologist (keloland.com)

“It's really hard for parents to keep track of everything that's going on online. Certainly, any tools, any software that parents can access to help do that is a good thing, but there needs to be more protection just in general.”

— Angela Kennecke, Founder, Emily's Hope (keloland.com)

What’s next

Emily's Hope is hosting a free screening of the documentary 'Can't Look Away- The Case Against Social Media' on Monday night, followed by a panel discussion with people featured in the film.

The takeaway

While Instagram's new feature is a step towards addressing the mental health impacts of social media, experts say open communication between parents and children, as well as stronger protections across all platforms, are still crucial to truly safeguarding young users.