Instagram users now have the opportunity to raise concerns relating to the mental health of individuals they follow online, with a new reporting tool being introduced recently. Instagram is following the lead of parent company Facebook, and has introduced a popup message when someone is searching potentially harmful hashtags or a post is flagged by a friend. The message offers support, tips, and access to a health line, such as Lifeline or Headspace.

Instagram has a particularly young demographic, comprising predominately of teenagers and young adults. Recent research suggests that the prevalence of mental health concerns for people within this demographic are skyrocketing to unprecedented rates. Peter Hayton, senior psychologist at The Banyans Health and Wellness applauds Instagram for implementing a serious but beneficial feature.

“In an adolescent group, those who are most aware of a person’s concerning social media posts are usually their peers, who are also unequipped or unable to help,” Peter observes. “Moreover, some people may feel uncomfortable addressing their concerns for their friends mental health and safety.” Instagram’s anonymous reporting feature addresses these concerns. “People may feel like they are able to do something for their friend without having to face it head on.”

By monitoring the searches of users and alerting them with a message prompt when a potentially harmful pattern is detected, Instagram is encouraging user protection and safety on their platform. This is also reflected in their recent banning of the hashtag #thinspo from their search results – a hashtag being used to encourage unhealthy eating patterns and eating disorders.

Peter emphasizes the importance of support for people who concerned for their friends or family who may be experiencing thoughts and/or actions of self harm. “It can be extremely burdening when you are trying to carry a situation like that on your own,” he says. “Even if your friend has sworn you to secrecy or will not seek help themselves, it is important that you are also keeping yourself safe.” Remember that keeping a secret is not as important as keeping someone alive, a good friend will always seek help as soon as there is some talk of current self harm concerns. For young people, Peter recommends Beyond Blue, Headspace, a school counsellor, or your local psychologist.


This article was based on a report by TechCrunch.

Discover Our Programs

Residential Programs

Image of The Banyans luxury rehab residential program

Tailored treatment plans delivered entirely one-on-one for focused recovery. Treating mental health, addiction & eating disorder concerns.

Live-in treatment up to 12 weeks

Brisbane hinterland

Multidisciplinary team, evidence-based program

Day Programs

Image of The Banyans luxury rehab day program for mental health and addiction

Flexible & focused programs to prioritise your wellbeing while balancing life. Treating mental health, addiction, eating disorders & workplace wellbeing.

1 day per week, up to 8 weeks

Bowen Hills Luxury Facility

Multidisciplinary team, evidence-based program

Online Programs

The Banyans Online Program

Gain access to The Banyans industry-leading programs from anywhere in the world via our digitally delivered Online Programs.

Flexible schedule over 14 – 28 days 

Anywhere in the world

Multidisciplinary team, evidence-based program

NDIS Programs

Short-term accommodation, respite & therapy with allied health practitioners. Working together with participants & their support teams to achieve program goals.

Short-term accommodation & respite up to 2 weeks

Brisbane hinterland

For plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants

Residential Programs

Tailored treatment plans delivered entirely one-on-one for focused recovery. Treating mental health, addiction & eating disorder concerns.

Image of The Banyans luxury rehab residential program

Live-in treatment up to 12 weeks

Brisbane hinterland

Multidisciplinary team, evidence-based program

Day Programs

Flexible & focused programs to prioritise your wellbeing while balancing life. Treating mental health, addiction, eating disorders & workplace wellbeing.

Image of The Banyans luxury rehab day program for mental health and addiction

1 day per week, up to 8 weeks

Bowen Hills Luxury Facility

Multidisciplinary team, evidence-based program

Online Programs

Gain access to The Banyans industry-leading programs from anywhere in the world via our digitally delivered Online Programs.

The Banyans Online Program

Flexible schedule over 14 – 28 days 

Anywhere in the world

Multidisciplinary team, evidence-based program

NDIS Programs

Short-term accommodation, respite & therapy with allied health practitioners. Working together with participants & their support teams to achieve program goals.

Photo of The Banyans NDIS program psychologist

Short-term accommodation & respite up to 2 weeks

Brisbane hinterland

For plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants