COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is encouraging parents to enroll in Instagram’s parental supervision tools as the social media platform prepares to launch a new alert system aimed at addressing teen mental health concerns.

Beginning next week, Instagram will notify parents who use the platform’s supervision features if their teen repeatedly searches for terms related to suicide or self-harm within a short period of time.

“Parents can’t possibly know everything their kids are doing,” Yost said in a statement. “But this new tool gives moms and dads a window into warning signs that might otherwise go unseen. Knowledge is power.”

The alert system is designed to provide parents with timely information and access to mental health resources to help guide conversations with their children about concerning online activity.

Instagram already blocks searches clearly associated with suicide and self-harm and directs users to crisis resources and helplines. The new feature adds another layer by notifying parents about repeated search behavior that may signal heightened concern.

To activate supervision, both the teen and a parent must agree to participate. Either the teen or the parent can send an invitation for supervision, but the invitation must be accepted before the feature begins. Only one parent can supervise a teen’s account.

Teens must be between the ages of 13 and 17 to be eligible for supervision, and the supervising parent must be at least 18 years old.

Supervision features require the latest version of the Instagram app on iPhone or Android devices. Teens must update the app, and parents must either update their own app or access Instagram through a desktop or mobile web browser. Some features may not function properly without the most recent version.

Parents can enroll in supervision through the “Supervision” section within Instagram’s settings or by visiting the platform’s Help Center for additional information.

Yost, who has advocated for stronger online safeguards for minors, said the new alert system reflects protections he has called for to help parents monitor potentially harmful content and support their children’s well-being.