Instagram has taken large steps towards tackling online bullying by filtering explicit comments, seemingly automatically.

Last year Instagram announced an offensive comment filter, in which you could choose to automatically hide toxic and divisive comments.

But starting this month the social media picture site is reiterating its rule that it does not tolerate bullying of any kind and will now automatically filter out any comments intended to cause distress.

Kevin Systrom, Co-Founder and CEO of Instagram said: “Our Community Guidelines have always prohibited bullying on our platform, and I’m proud to announce this next step in our ongoing commitment to keeping Instagram an inclusive, supportive place for all voices.”

“Since Mike and I founded Instagram, it’s been our goal to make it a safe place for self-expression and to foster kindness within the community. This update is just the next step in our mission to deliver on that promise.”

This new filter hides comments containing attacks on a person’s appearance or character, as well as threats to a person’s well being, it will also alert Instagram of repeated problems.

Let us know what you think about this change. Is it a good idea?