Instagram is banning graphic images of self-harm after UK health secretary Matt Hancock said social media companies “need to do more” to curb their impact on teenagers’ mental health. The photo-sharing platform announced a series of changes to its content rules including a ban on graphic images of self-harm and the removal of non-graphic images of self-harm from searches, hashtags, and the explore tab. Instagram said it will not be entirely removing non-graphic self-harm content, as it does not “want to stigmatise or isolate people who may be in distress”. I am glad Instagram have committed to me that they will now take down graphic self-harm and suicide content. “We cannot wait until the next tragedy strikes.”Ian Russell, Molly’s father, said: “I welcome the commitment made today by Adam Mosseri to ban all graphic self-harm content from Instagram.” – PA

Source: The Irish Times February 08, 2019 00:00 UTC