<2> Instagram Launches New Feature to Alert Parents of Self-Harm Searches
<3> New Safety Measure to Protect Teenagers
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has announced a new feature that will alert parents when their teenager repeatedly searches for terms related to self-harm or suicide. This new feature is set to launch next week and aims to provide an additional layer of protection for teenagers who may be struggling with their mental health.
<4> The new Instagram feature will send parents an alert when their child “repeatedly tries to search for terms clearly associated with self-harm or suicide,” according to a statement from Meta. This alert will be sent to parents via a notification on their Instagram account, and will include information on how to access resources and support for their child.
<5> The new feature is part of a broader effort by Meta to improve the safety and well-being of its users, particularly teenagers. In addition to the new Instagram feature, Meta has also announced plans to introduce a similar alert system for its AI chatbots later this year.
<6> The alert system for AI chatbots will be designed to detect when a user is seeking help or support through the chatbot, and will send a notification to a designated contact or support service.